Rhythm exercise 4-1
Division by four of the beat
Master figure of this division
Graphic representation
This is the master figure of the division by four because it contains all four elements.
Division by four is an evolution of binary rhythm.
Although this figure was probably used by some musicians thousands of years ago, it has only been documented in the last few hundred years.
For a long time, this master figure of the division by four was the only one used.
The other possibilities, derived from it, appeared one by one.
For the general public, division by four is less than four hundred years old.
Division by four
Rhythmical weights
Strong and weak positions
Division by four introduces two notes to the binary division; at the ¼ and ¾ positions.
These new notes have a lesser rhythmical weight than the old ones.
The second and fourth sixteenths of each beat are on weak positions.
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.
Audio renditions
BELOW
STEREO FIELD
Beat your
foot!
RECOMMENDED
Exercise 4-1
Tempo 70 bpm
Exercise 4-1
Tempo 90 bpm
Exercise 4-1
Tempo 110 bpm
Exercise 4-1
Complete score
Tempo 70
Tempo 90
Tempo 110
A complete overview of rhythm