RHYTHM &
METER
Rhythm is the organization of music in time. It determines when notes are played, for how long, and with what emphasis. It is the heartbeat that transforms sound into a groove.
The Time Signature
The fraction at the start of the staff. It tells you the grid size of the measure.
44
Top:4 beats per measure.
Bottom:Quarter note gets the beat.
♩
Quarter Note (1/4)
The standard beat (The Walk).
♫
Eighth Note (1/8)
Twice as fast (The Jog).
♬
Sixteenth (1/16)
Four per beat (The Sprint).
3
Triplet (1/3)
Three notes in the space of two.
Syncopation
Placing an accent on a weak beat (the "and" of the beat). This creates surprise and "groove" (used heavily in Funk, Jazz, and Latin music).
Step Sequencer (16th Notes)
120 BPM
Kick
Snare
Hat
1
•
•
•
2
•
•
•
3
•
•
•
4
•
•
•
Polyrhythms
When two different rhythms play simultaneously. Look at the background:
- 4/4 Ring: Pulses 4 times per cycle.
- 3/4 Ring: Pulses 3 times per cycle.
- The Downbeat: They only meet perfectly at the start of the loop (The "1").