Rhythm explained Daniel Laberge

Rhythm exercise 4-4

The first and the last event

Figure used in rhythm exercise 4-4

Graphic representation

Graphic representation

This figure compared to the master figure

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.

Confusion with the "swing" figure

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".

How to perform this figure

B: Transform the second and third "Ta" into a "Tu".

How to perform this figure

C: Eliminate the "Tu".

How to perform this figure

Audio renditions

BELOW

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STEREO FIELD

STEREO FIELD

Beat your
foot!

RECOMMENDED

Beat your foot

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

Rhythm explained
Figure used in rhythm exercise 4-4
Graphic representation
This figure compared to the master figure
Scrolling score players
Non-scrolling score players
STEREO FIELD
Beat your foot
Double-swing
Rhythm explained