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R-I : Essentials of Rhythm

R-I : Essentials of Rhythm

Half Time / Double Time

I previously explained the concept of "duality in tempo". Duality in trap beats Duality in country beats Duality in reggae beats This is a result of the fact that the core principle in rhythm theory, "beats", depend on our bodily cognitive perception. The count of a drumming can be interpreted in multiple ways. Taking the opposite view, it means that…
yuta
October 24, 2023
R-I : Essentials of Rhythm

Clave and Tresillo

1. Son Clave In the world of rhythm, there are several classic rhythm patterns, and one of the most famous is the . Clave serves as a framework for rhythms in Cuban and Latin American music, combining 2/8 and 3/8 lengths to create rhythmic patterns with syncopation. You might have heard the name of an instrument called "Claves". It's a…
yuta
June 11, 2024
R-I : Essentials of Rhythm

Syncopation

Early on, I explained how the difference between downbeat and upbeat accents affects the groove. In this session, we focused just on the accents of the hi-hat, but this time, we will broaden the discussion and delve into accents more comprehensively. 1. Strong Beat / Weak Beat In Western music theory, there is another set of classification terms aside from…
yuta
June 11, 2024
R-I : Essentials of Rhythm

Beat Subdivisions

1. Types of Beats In the previous discussion, I mentioned that among the "essentials" in drums the hihat plays the most intricate rhythms and determines the detailed rhythm sensation. This time, I will introduce a simple classification for these rhythms. 8th Note Beats This is a standard beat pattern. By looking at how the hihat is played, you can see…
yuta
May 25, 2024
R-I : Essentials of Rhythm

Beat, Bar and Time

First, let's start with the fundamental concept of rhythm. 1. Beats Fundamentally, the most basic framework of rhythmic structure is our counting. Whether it's a conductor's baton, foot tapping, hand clapping, or a metronome, whatever, when you count in a steady pace, a framework for rhythm emerges. The basis of rhythmic theory is primitive and physical. Lying down on the…
yuta
May 22, 2024
R-I : Essentials of Rhythm

Start Learning Rhythm Theory

1. About Rhythm Theory Rhythm may not be emphasized as much in general music theory. Needless to say that books titled "Chord Theory" or "Harmony" don't treat rhythms, but even in books labeled "Music Theory", references to rhythm are often limited. The reason for this might be that rhythm is what is most intuitively understood and reproduced, and many people…
yuta
July 1, 2024