Lesson 4: Rhythm
Counting Tips

Since rhythms can be complicated, musicians need to carefully count subdivisions of the beats as well as beats.

Counting subdivisions allows musicians to know when to change notes with the precision needed for quality performances.
Counting quarter notes, 4 beats per bar:

1

2

3

4
       

Counting eighth notes, 4 beats per bar:

1 and

2 and

3 and

4 and
       

Counting sixteenth notes, 4 beats per bar:

1-e-and-a

2-e-and-a

3-e-and-a

4-e-and-a

   

Counting example:

 Listen Up!

Sample Rhythm

The recording plays the notes in the diagram at left.

This recording is the same as above, except that a pulsing note has been added in the base clef to serve as a metronome.

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