Rhythm exercise 4-4
The first and the last event
Graphic representation
This figure compared to the master figure
Mental description
One lo-o-ong, one short
Usage of this figure
This figure's integration into popular culture dates back to the Middle Ages.
It was frequently used in classical music.
Its configuration, one very long followed by one short, makes it a very grounded figure.
This figure is often mistaken for the swing figure, and vice versa.
This is because their proportions are similar.
The ternary "swing" figure (top) compared to the "dotted eighth note, one sixteenth" binary figure.
The difference between the position of the second note of these figures is only 8.33%.
But this small distance is clearly audible and efforts must be made not to confuse them.
They are easy to distinguish since the swing figure is only met in ternary music (even if it's written in binary).
In the same manner, the figure "one dotted eighth note followed by one sixteenth note" only exist in binary pieces.
Confusion with the "swing" figure
How to perform
this figure
A: Start by doing this rhythm, using the syllable "Ta".
B: Transform the second and third "Ta" into a "Tu".
C: Eliminate the "Tu".
Audio renditions
BELOW
STEREO FIELD
Beat your
foot!
RECOMMENDED
Exercise 4-4
Tempo 70 bpm
Exercise 4-4
Tempo 90 bpm
Exercise 4-4
Tempo 110 bpm
Exercise 4-4
Complete score
Tempo 70
Tempo 90
Tempo 110
A complete overview of rhythm