Playing with Subdivision
Part 4 of How to develop good Rhythm
Subdivision is like pulse. It’s just smaller, and it’s contained within your metric pulse.
In my last article, I covered how to play within a metric pulse.
To play with truly accurate rhythms, playing within the big pulse is not enough. We gain accuracy by adding more levels of division, or smaller pulses.
To begin feeling your smaller pulses, start with a metric pulse.
This example is within a metric pulse of 3, but it can be done within any meter.
We are going to verbalize the pulse.
Start with the beat:
One, Two, Three, One, Two, Three…
Next, let’s divide each beat by half.
One and, Two and, Three and, One and, Two and, Three and…
Using words works, but to really create accuracy and feel the pulse, try using a neutral syllable like “da”
Even as you use the neutral syllable, try to continue labeling the subdivisions or even hearing the words on top of the neutral syllable.
You can’t verbalize subdivisions out loud while you are playing music, so you will have to use the voice inside your head. I suggest when practicing subdivisions away from your instrument, alternate between verbalizing them out loud and within your head.
Practice at different tempos. Covering a variety of tempos in your practice is one of the keys to mastery. Make sure that when you change tempos, you take the time to create a new metric pulse in that tempo.
The goal is to eventually have the voice in your head marking subdivisions semi-automatically. This will take consistent practice with and without your instrument.
Start with the simple divisions. You may want to wait a while before moving to the more difficult ones. I also suggest mixing up your meters, but especially using your metric pulse in 1 (for the simplicity)
Here are the subdivisions you can practice:
2(per beat)
3(per beat)
4(per beat)
8(per beat)
5(per beat)
6(per beat)
7(per beat)
A solid foundation with a subdivision of 2 and 3 will go a long way!
If you can master all these subdivisions, you can subdivide just about anything.
Practice subdivisions away from your instrument, but also while playing. The more you do it, the better you’ll get. Subdivide everything, especially long notes.
When playing music, decode strange notes by discovering exactly how many small beats they contain. Knowing is half the battle.
That just about covers the basics of How to Develop Good Rhythm!
The steps are simple. Actually having Good Rhythm comes from embracing the pulse and the framework it can provide. Even if you follow all the steps, it will take time. Luckily, Rhythm is fun and naturally puts you into a flow.
So have fun!