Rhythm explained Daniel Laberge

Rhythm exercise 4-6s

The second and the fourth event

Figures used in rhythm exercise 4-6s

Graphic representation

Graphic representation

This figure compared to the master figure

This figure compared to the master figure

Mental description

The second and the fourth

Usage of this figure

This figure is probably the hardest to feel of all.

It contains only the two weakest elements of a beat, giving it a gliding sensation.
This figure is very rarely found in classical music.

Humans have generally started feeling this figure during the rhythm revolution of the 1970s-80s period, but most people cannot repeat it, even nowadays.
This figure is often used as an anticipation of the simple binary division (two eighth notes).
Each note being anticipated by one quarter of a beat.

Two eighth notes

becomes

Any figure tied to one sixteenth note, one eighth note, one sixteenth note

Anticipating each eight note.

This figure marks the end of the long evolution of rhythms based on the division by four.

The history of sixteenth note rhythms started several thousand years ago with the appearance of the master figure (four sixteenth notes) which was achieved by subdividing the binary division.

Two new notes had been added between the existing two.

Rhythm evolution: from binary to division by four

Evolution from simple binary rhythm to division by four. Two notes are added to every beat.

Now in the twenty-first century, most people are able to feel all sixteen possibilities ensuing from the division by four.

The figure studied here represents the outcome of this system, since
it contains only the two notes that were added at its origin.
This figure is like a simple eighth note rhythm, but this time shifted by one quarter of a beat.

Rhythm evolution: from binary to division by four

Only the two newest notes remain in this figure.

Correctly written:

Continuous sixteenth note syncopations

Continuous sixteenth note syncopations.

The end of the division by four evolution

How to perform

 this figure

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

How to perform this figure

B: Transform the first 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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Non-scrolling score players

STEREO FIELD

STEREO FIELD

Beat your
foot!

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Exercise 4-6s
Tempo 60 bpm

Exercise 4-6s
Tempo 75 bpm

Exercise 4-6s
Tempo 90 bpm

Exercise 4-6s
Complete score

Tempo 60

Tempo 75

Tempo 90

Score for rhythm exercise 4-6s

A complete overview of rhythm

Rhythm explained
Figures used in rhythm exercise 4-6s
Graphic representation
This figure compared to the master figure
Scrolling score players
Non-scrolling score players
STEREO FIELD
Beat your foot
Score for rhythm exercise 4-6s
Double-swing
Rhythm explained