Rhythm is something relative. The duration of the notes exists only compared to one basic pulsation which one calls the beat (or tempo). This flow can be of various degrees speed or slowness, but it is always regular (example: tick-tock of a watch, beats of a metronome, etc.)

You will begin your rhythm training in an original way, by appealing to the less theoretical or intellectual data. Certain rhythms will be even approached through examples drawn from popular songs which prove to be excellent mnemonic supports: who has never heard “Twinkle little star”, “Jingle Bells” or “Happy birthday”…?

Tags: Beginners, durations, eighth note, half note, music theory, musical notation, quarter note, rest, rhythm, time signature, triplet, whole note

Guitar tablature enables those who do not know any (or little) musical theory or the position of the notes on their instrument, to learn the guitar all the same. It is often provided as a substitute for (or a supplement to) standard musical notation. The tablature is represented by six lines (each one corresponding to a string) with the TAB indication at the beginning. The principle is simple and makes it possible to play the guitar parts quickly, without the help of music theory.

Tags: Beginners, guitar tab, music theory, musical notation, TAB, tablature

THEORY: The eighth notes (straight by definition) divide time into two equal parts, i.e. you play two notes, of EQUAL duration, per beat. The shuffle eighth notes divide time into three equal parts. The first note occupies the first two thirds and the second note occupies the last third. See figure I. EXAMPLE: Here are [...]

Tags: music theory, musical notation, rhythm, shuffle