Rhythm explained Daniel Laberge

Rhythm exercise 4-1

Division by four of the beat
Master figure of this division

Figure used in rhythm exercise 4-1

Graphic representation

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.

Rhythmical weights of sixteenth notes

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.

How to perform the division by four

B: Beat your foot on number 1 only.

How to perform the division by four

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

How to perform the division by four

Audio renditions

BELOW

Scrolling score players
Non-scrolling score players

STEREO FIELD

STEREO FIELD

Beat your
foot!

RECOMMENDED

Beat your foot

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

Rhythm explained
Figure used in rhythm exercise 4-1
Scrolling score players
Non-scrolling score players
STEREO FIELD
Beat your foot
Double-swing
Rhythm explained