Understanding Rhythm

A LITTLE THEORY 

              As mentioned earlier in the post theory is also important in terms of learning and so let understand some basic theory as we practice "Finger Gymnastics" using a Metronome. 

            A Metronome is used so that every musician can follow a certain kind of rhythm which is repeated over and over again. You can download it from the internet which is available for free.

            In this theory & practical session we will try to be in a certain rhythmic value and match our playing according to the beats mentioned below.

Note Values: Number of beats per note.

Semibreve - Whole Note     = 4 Beats
Minims      - Half Note        = 2 Beats
Crochets    - Quarter Note   = 1 Beat
Quavers     - 8th Note          = 1/2 Beat (2 notes per beat)


Time Signature: Number of beats in a cycle.

             Every musician/composer utilizes this great method to keep every music note in an order. It also gives other musician a basic idea of the rhythm which moves along. There are different type of time signatures some are "common" and other "odd". Lets look at some of the time signatures mentioned below.

Some of the common time signature used in most of the music Genres.

4/4 = 4 Beats in a cycle

1   2   3   4   |  1   2   3   4 | 1   2   3   4 | etc.,

3/4 = 3 Beats in a cycle

1    2    3 | 1   2  3 | 1   2   3 | etc.,

2/4 = 2 Beats in a cycle

1   2 | 1   2 | 1   2 | etc.,

Odd Time Signatures used mostly in Jazz and other Genres.

5/4 = 5 Beats in a cycle

1   2   3   4   5 | 1   2   3   4   5 | 1   2   3   4   5| etc.,

7/4 = 7 Beats in a cycle

1   2   3   4   5   6   7 | 1   2   3   4   5   6   7 | etc.,


Metronome Marking for Finger Gymnastics

Quarter Note  = 160 Bpm (Time Signature 4/4)

Eight Note      = 120 Bpm (Time Signature 2/4)

                 Make sure you do practice and accomplish before you move to the next lesson. As mentioned practice is important and do it like you worship it. It will surely help you in further exercises.