Rhythm explained Daniel Laberge

Rhythm exercise 2-1

The binary master figure - Two eighth notes

Rhythm exercise 2-1 - Featured figure - Two eighth notes

Graphic representation

Rhythm figure-Two eighth notes-Graphic representation

Short note figures are beamed together in order to form groups whose total equals one beat.

Rhythm figures beamed together

This greatly simplifies reading the rhythm back.

This procedure is comparable to grouping letters together to form words.

An atemporal space is formed between each word or rhythmic figure, but it is ignored while reading.

Note beams

How to perform

 the binary division

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

Performing the binary division of the beats

B: Beat your foot on number 1 only.

Performing the binary division of the beats

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

Performing the binary division of the beats

You only have to perform the binary division for a few seconds before you start feeling it.

At that point, you don't have to count or be conscious of anything anymore.

The goal is to feel this rhythm physically.

At that point you can call it a feel.

The binary feel

How to perform
the exercises

There are two ways to perform the exercises:

•Vocally: Using the syllable "Ta" (recommended).

•Manually: Using your hand, finger, nail, a pencil or a stick.

Audio renditions

BELOW

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STEREO FIELD

STEREO FIELD

Beat your
foot!

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Beat your foot

Exercise 2-1
Tempo 70 bpm

Exercise 2-1
Tempo 100 bpm

Exercise 2-1
Tempo 130 bpm

Exercise 2-1
Complete score

Tempo 70

Tempo 100

Tempo 130

Score of rhythm exercise 2-1

A complete overview of rhythm

Rhythm explained
Rhythm exercise 2-1 - Featured figure - Two eighth notes
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STEREO FIELD
Beat your foot
Score of rhythm exercise 2-1
Swing
Rhythm explained