Rhythm Study
Understanding the Rhythm Pyramid
This demonstration shows all of the most common ways beats can be divided. A single measure consisting of four beats can readily be divided into many different groups of pulses.
Especially for the triplet pulses, there would have to be some way for the listener to know that the “real” underlying pulse is the quarter note. For instance, a drummer might play the quarter note rhythm on line three with his foot, and play the rhythm on line four with his hands. The listener will tend to stay grounded to the beat groupings spelled out by the lowest part of the percussion, such as the kick played by the drummer’s foot.
Play each of these rhythms on guitar.
You must use a metronome! Start slowly.
The Exercise
Hear an Example
Listen for an example of the “rhythm pyramid” played on a single note.
Instructions
Practice performing these rhythms verbally, switching randomly between different lines. Once you’ve internalized all of these rhythms, you will be able to create nearly all common rhythms from them. By combining various pieces of these rhythms, you can create almost unlimited possibilities.
Key Result
- After mastering this exercise, you can grasp how beats are divided.
- You will be able to identify the rhythms of the music you listen to.
- You will be able to use these rhythms in your own playing.
