Reading Notation Rhythms - Free Exercises
Below are some simple rhythms you shouldpractice once you feel confident with the rhythms explained in the previous chapter. If you are unsure of the rhythms and this part overwhelms you, go back over the lastchapter and carefully memorize and practice counting and clapping the rhythms.
It's important to understand these basicsbefore moving on. If you get ahead of yourself, you'll end up lost as things getmore complicated.
To get the idea, read thefollowing rhythm thinking of the Christmas song "Jingle Bells." Like thelesson in the previous chapter, count out loud and clap the rhythm using your hands.
If you feel confident that you understandreading the quarter notes (
) and the half notes (
) and the last whole note (
) then try to read the following exercise. We'll addeighth notes (
) to ourset here now. Remember, two eighth notes are played in the space which one quarternote takes.
This exercise contains eighth notes andquarter notes, no half notes or whole notes. Practice this while counting aloud.
Notice something different in bar three of thefollowing exercise? This is a type of rhythm called syncopation. Don't worryif you don't understand how to clap or play this; the next chapter deals with this in moredetail. I've included it here as a challenge. See if you can figure out how toplay syncopation on your own. :-)
Recently this entire site was lost, and so much of it is being rewritten from scratch.
Please be patient as I put stuff back.
Thanks!
Jason Silver
Counting Rhythms
Reading Exercises
Reading Syncopation
Accents and Markings
Basics of Pitches
Flats & Sharps
Key Signatures
Clefs & Staves
The Circle of Fifhs
Tools
Lost, But Being Rewritten:
Intervals
Time Signatures
Reading Exercises
Practicing Effectively