Rhythmic Groupings

If you would like to experiment with asymmetrical rhythms, odd time signatures or more syncopated rhythms in straight time, here is a simple exercise to get you going, whatever your instrument.

Time Signatures

If you are unsure what each of the numbers mean in a time signature, here is a quick guide. The top number is how many beats we are counting, and the bottom line is what type of beats. For example: 4/4, also written,

4

4

4 = 4 beats

4 = crotchet beats

Hearing odd times

For example 5/4 = 5 crotchets

Play a strong note on beat one (low tone on percussion, or root note on tuned instrument), and count the beats of the bar. Do this repeatedly until you can do it without mistakes, and can feel the time.

Next play a regular note on the other beats of the bar 2,3,4,5 (hi-hats for kit, high tone percussion, octave for other instruments). Again settle into the pattern, repeating without gaps or mistakes.

Break groupings down into 2s and 3s

5/4 Can be written/ played/ felt/ heard as either

2,3

Or

3,2

Now play the bass tone or root on the 1 of each of the groupings of 2 and 3.                   

Bass 2 Bass 4 5 (2+3)

&

Bass 2 3 Bass 5 (3+2)                

Practice until solid, then add in the other notes of the grouping (using hihats/high tone / octave).

Bass Hi Bass Hi Hi (2+3)

&

Bass Hi Hi Bass Hi (3+2)

Playing patterns/grooves

Now we need to get some kind of shape to our rhythm, as it sounds a little flat.

Drum Kit

Bass Hi Snare Hi Hi (2+3)

&

Bass Hi Hi Snare Hi (3+2)

Percussion

Bass Hi Slap Hi Hi (2+3)

&

Bass Hi Hi Slap Hi (3+2)

Tuned Instrument – We can use a chord for the next stage of the process.

When Note is written insert any note of the chord, except the root/octave, for example 3rd, 5th, 7th.

Root Note Octave Note Note (2+3)

&

Root Note Note Octave Note (3+2)

Other Times

Try and work out your own timing subdivisions for other times

6/4, 7/4, 9/4, 10/4, 11/8, 12/8, etc

For example 15/8

3+3+3+3+3

2+3+2+3+2+3

3+2+3+2+3+2

3+3+3+2+2+2

2+2+2+3+3+3

3+3+2+2+3+2

2+2+3+3+2+3

3+2+3+3+2+2

3+2+2+2+2+2+2 (and all variations)

More?

This is only the very beginning of trying to understand these types of rhythmic groupings, they need plenty of digestion and practice, before you may feel creative and musical with the ideas. I recommend searching for explanations and audio of Middle Eastern, Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian) rhythms for great examples of various time cycles. For good examples of syncopation using 4/4 or 12/8 have a look at West African rhythms.

Format

If you find this type of written explanation difficult to follow, that is exactly why doing a practical lesson with a teacher makes more sense. Ideas can be presented and followed much more easily during a session. Get in touch!