Playing with Good Rhythm
Part 2 of How to develop good Rhythm
Playing with good Rhythm starts with good pulse.
Pulse is like the scaffolding for the notes. I already explained how to get good pulse in my previous article.
But how can we maintain good pulse while playing music?
We need to use our pulse to create a meter or a time signature.
To do this, we are going to look at what conductors do.
Above, you’ll see conducting in 3. This would commonly be used in 3/4 time.
It’s important to note that 1 is down, 2 is out, and 3 is up. In any time signature 1 is always down, the last beat is always up, and the second to last beat is out and away from your body.
The meter is the framework for the music you are playing. Most music has a meter, and a recognition of the meter is essential to good rhythm.
To have really great rhythm while playing, create a pulse in your body by conducting the meter you are going to play in.
It’s important to physically do this, not just think about it!
Remember to relax and feel the momentum and gravity of your arm moving through space. Don’t just force the movement with your muscles.
Take the time to just experience conducting this. The more you do it, and the more you relax into it, the the more steady your pulse will be.
Here are 3 more of the 4 most common beat patterns
Above, you’ll see conducting in 4. This would commonly be used in 4/4 time.
Above, you’ll see conducting in 2. This would commonly be used in 2/4 time.
Above, you’ll see conducting in 1. This would commonly be used in 3/8 time, or any fast 3.
Now that you’ve taken the time to feel into conducting with relaxation and a focus on the feeling of the momentum, we can start playing some music.
I cover that in my next article:
Until then, have fun getting to know your meters.
