Rhythm explained Daniel Laberge

Rhythm exercise 3-2

The "swing" figure

Featured figures of rhythm exercise 3-2

Graphic representation

Graphic representation of the swing figure

This figure compared to the master figure

The swing figure compared to the master ternary figure

Usages of the swing figure

 

1

The swing figure is one of the eight ternary rhythm possibilities.
It is a few thousand years old and can be found in many folk songs and in classical music.

 

2

Within the last few centuries, some people have started altering binary songs by lengthening the notes that fall on the beat; so that those on the upbeat were delayed and shortened.
Doing so gives a swing feel to the music.

Transforming binary music into swing

Lengthening the first of two eighth notes displaces the second.

The second note is pushed away from the middle (1/2) of the beat to the 2/3 position.
At that point, the music, that was originally binary, becomes ternary.

Transforming binary music into swing

The second of the two eighth notes is moved to the 2/3 position.

The rhythm is now ternary.

This explains why some types of music, such as most of jazz, are written in binary, while being, in fact, completely ternary.
In many cases, the word "swing" or the following equation can be found at the top of the lead sheet:

SWING INDICATOR

SWING INDICATOR
Placed above the first bar of a piece of music, it indicates that eighth notes should be played as a ternary swing figure.

How to perform

 the swing figure

•A: Start by doing this rhythm, using the syllable "Ta".

How to perform the swing figure

•B: Remove the "T" from the second "Ta" of each beat.

How to perform the swing figure

•C: Hold the first "Ta" of each beat.

How to perform the swing figure

Audio renditions

BELOW

Scrolling score players
Non-scrolling score players

STEREO FIELD

STEREO FIELD

Beat your
foot!

RECOMMENDED

Beat your foot

Exercise 3-2
Tempo 80 bpm

Exercise 3-2
Tempo 110 bpm

Exercise 3-2
Tempo 140 bpm

Exercise 3-2
Complete score

Tempo 80

Tempo 110

Tempo 140

Score of rhythm exercise 3-2

A complete overview of rhythm

Rhythm explained
Featured figures of rhythm exercise 3-2
Scrolling score players
Non-scrolling score players
STEREO FIELD
Beat your foot
Score of rhythm exercise 3-2
Rhythm explained