Finding Rhythm
Music without theory! Okay maybe a lil bit of theory...
What is rhythm?
In music, rhythm is a strong, repeated pattern of sound - it is music’s pattern in time.
Of all the elements that make up music, rhythm is the indispensable one. Rhythm can exist without melody, but melody cannot exist without rhythm!
Rhythm is everywhere, not just in music. Take heartbeats, for example. Every human’s first experience of rhythm is the sound of their mother’s heartbeat.
Rhythm is made up of a sequence of sounds and silences (rests). The way music is divided into beats, which repeat a specific number of times in a bar at a certain tempo (speed), is considered a rhythm.
As well as when notes are played, rhythm also stipulates how long notes are played for and with what intensity; creating different note durations and accents (emphasis on a particular note).
Drums and bass guitars are the two instruments that are most commonly recognised as the ‘rhythm section’ of a music group or band, but every instrumentalist has responsibility for their own rhythmic performance.
Why is rhythm important?
Rhythm gives a piece of music its structure. You can mix together any sounds you like, but without an underlying rhythm there is no music.
Rhythm is also an important part of musicianship; it is the way that musicians connect and communicate. Having good rhythm means you won’t rush or drag the beat; it enables you to stay in time with your band.
You can practice rhythm by:
Learning to play in time - you can use a metronome to help with this, or watch videos at specific BPMs - available to watch for free on YouTube!
Try focussing on the rhythm when listening to a piece of music - tap your foot to the main beat and use this as a reference point when listening to other rhythms that are being played alongside it
Take some time to think about the song you’re about to play before you start and zone into the groove of it
Arrange a freestyle jam session - listen to what your fellow musicians are playing and jam along with the sound
Gadgets such as the Soundbrenner watches are great for practicing rhythm. Check them out on my Top Gear Picks page here: https://redir.love/thocf/lldihd1yx2
Count the beat out loud as you play!
Here are my favourite (FREE) videos for perfecting your rhythm and playing in time:
120 BPM: Simple Straight Beat (Drum Track) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTmKgbT3PFA
Waltz ¾ Drum Metronome https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcg9Blh3RTg
Time and Feel Exercise for Bass Guitar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdbwaj0RPQg
Developing Timing And Feel - Rhythm Guitar Lesson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjL6EAYszAI
Get more from me (including music every month!) at: https://www.patreon.com/hannahtrigwell