Rhythm exercise 4-1

The master figure of the division by four

Featured figure

Name	Symbol	Duration
Four sixteenth notes		¼ of a beat, ¼ of a beat, ¼ of a beat, ¼ of a beat

Graphic
representation

Division by four is an evolution of binary rhythm.
It has appeared during the last millennium.
For a long time, the master figure, containing all the elements, was the only one used.
The other possibilities, derived from it, have appeared one by one.

Division
by
four

The
rhythmical
weights

The new notes, those introduced by the division by four, have a lesser rhythmical weight than the old ones.
This is normal since they are placed on the ¼ and ¾ of the beat.

This grid combines with the two we've already seen:

The result is this suite of sixteen values that repeats for each bar.

Approximative grid of rhythmical weights

Sixteen combinations or rhythmic possibilities can be achieved using the division by four.
However, they were not all used before 1975-85.
A sudden evolution occurred during this period and the population of the whole world started feeling the rhythm like never before.
Previously, music based on the division by four only contained twelve figures, at least in popular culture.
This revolution has permitted some kind of parity of the sixteen figures.

The end
of the
70s

How to
perform
the
division
by
four

A: Count 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4, aloud, making sure you space the numbers equally, be curt and precise.

B: Beat your foot on number 1 only.

C: Say Ta, Ta, Ta, Ta, instead of 1, 2, 3, 4.

You may have to click the Play button twice
		Tempo 70 bpm		Tempo 90 bpm		Tempo 110 bpm

Count 1, 2, 3, 4, before you start

Try this exercise in double swing feel