ABSTRACT
Simple beats are binary structures because they divide and multiply naturally by two, resulting in a 2:1 relationship between manifestations of the beat. When beats are divided or multiplied twice, the result is the second division (or subdivision) and second multiple of the beat; this results in a 4:1 relationship to the original beat. Refer to the charts below:
Counting Second Division of the Beat
In the last chapter, you counted the division of the beat with “&s.” Build on that system by maintaining the “&” on the first division (or midway point) of the beat, and adding “e” and “a” to represent each partial of the beat. Notice that the “&”at the midway point of the beat is still intact. A less cumbersome but equally effective way to count subdivisions is to use numbers (1234). Both methods are shown below:
You can also figure out a rhythm by maintaining an eighth-note pulse and feeling the subdivisions within it, like this:
This example shows both counting techniques with common rhythms:
Preliminary Rhythms
