Rhythm in music explained- How to get rhythm

Summary

In this video, Rory, a percussionist and composer, explores the concept of rhythm and its development. He believes everyone has an innate rhythmic ability that can be enhanced like a muscle. Rory introduces exercises using a metronome and language to build an internal sense of rhythm, emphasizing the importance of practice, audiation, and synchronizing movement for musicality.

Takeaways

• 🎶 Rhythm is a natural ability that can be developed like a muscle, and everyone has it.
• 🕒 Time is a fundamental element in rhythm, as music exists in time unlike other art forms.
• 💡 The beat is the foundation of rhythm, and a metronome is a useful tool to develop a sense of pulse.
• 📈 Metronome speed is measured in beats per minute (BPM), and digital metronomes are accessible through apps and web browsers.
• 📚 Rhythm can be thought of like language, with syllables corresponding to beats in a musical pulse.
• 📝 Practicing rhythm involves vocalizing rhythms, counting out loud, and synchronizing cognitive movement.
• 🎵 Words with different syllable counts can be used to practice rhythm, starting with simple words like 'coffee' and progressing to more complex ones.
• 🎹 After vocalizing rhythms, practice playing them on an instrument or clapping to internalize the rhythm.
• 🚶‍♂️ Walking is a common cadence for movement, similar to counting numbers, and can help in developing an internal sense of rhythm.
• 🤔 Audiation is the scientific term for thinking rhythms in our head, which is crucial for developing an internal sense of rhythm.
• 🌐 Different languages and music styles have unique cadences, reflecting the diversity in rhythmic expression.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to explore the concept of rhythm, how it can be developed, and how it can be learned to improve musicality and consistency in music.

What is the speaker's belief about rhythm and its relation to everyone?

The speaker believes that everyone has rhythm and that it is like a muscle that needs to be developed, similar to how we learn and develop different languages.

What is the definition of rhythm as mentioned in the video?

Rhythm is defined as a sound or event that repeats regularly over time, with time being the crucial element as music exists in time.

What is the relationship between beat and rhythm?

The beat is at the heart of rhythm. A single beat that repeats at regular time intervals is called a pulse, which is the foundation on which rhythm is played.

What is a metronome and how is it used to develop rhythm?

A metronome is a device that produces an audible click at regular time intervals, which can be adjusted in speed (measured in beats per minute, or BPM). It is used to develop a sense of pulse and practice rhythms at different tempos.

How can language be used to develop rhythm?

Language can be used to develop rhythm by applying the principles of language to building rhythms. Words can be broken down into syllables and applied to a musical pulse, creating a rhythm.

What is the term 'audiation' and how does it relate to rhythm?

Audiation is the musical equivalent of thinking in language. It involves vocalizing rhythms in our head, which helps develop an internal sense of rhythm and is crucial for playing rhythmically.

What is the common cadence across all accents in all languages that can be used to develop rhythm?

The common cadence across all accents in all languages is the pattern with which we are taught to count numbers, which can be used to develop an internal sense of pulse.

What is the purpose of practicing with a metronome?

Practicing with a metronome helps to identify a solid, fixed pulse, which is essential for building rhythms and developing a consistent sense of timing in music.

How can body percussion be used to develop an internal sense of rhythm?

Body percussion, such as stomping, tapping knees, or clapping, can be coordinated with a pulse to practice rhythmic movement. This helps develop coordination and control, crucial for playing rhythmically and in time.

What is the importance of counting out loud while practicing rhythm?

Counting out loud while practicing rhythm helps to develop an internal metronome or sense of pulse. It is a simple method for practicing simple rhythms and can be more challenging for complex ones.

Outlines

00:00

🎶 Understanding Rhythm: Natural Talent or Learned Skill?

This paragraph introduces the concept of rhythm and the debate over whether it is an innate ability or something that can be developed. The speaker, Rory, a percussionist and composer, suggests that everyone has a natural rhythmic ability, which can be enhanced through practice, similar to learning a language. He emphasizes the importance of developing an internal sense of rhythm, control, and consistency, and offers simple exercises to help viewers improve their rhythmic skills. Rory also introduces the concept of the beat and pulse, explaining how they form the foundation of rhythm and how a metronome can be used as a tool to practice and develop rhythm.

05:02

📚 Developing Rhythm Through Language and Counting

In this paragraph, Rory explores the idea of rhythm as a language, where syllables can be mapped onto beats to create rhythmic patterns. He uses examples like 'coffee' and 'London' to demonstrate how words with two syllables can be used to practice rhythm. Rory suggests that practicing with a metronome and vocalizing rhythms internally, a process known as audiation, helps in developing an internal sense of rhythm. He also discusses the importance of counting out loud and using body percussion to synchronize movement with rhythm, which can aid in internalizing the rhythm and improving musical performance.

10:02

🚶‍♂️ Synchronizing Movement with Rhythm

Rory continues the discussion on rhythm by emphasizing the role of synchronized movement in developing an internal sense of rhythm. He suggests that walking serves as a common cadence for movement, similar to how counting numbers is a common cadence for language. To illustrate this, Rory introduces an exercise where viewers use body percussion to mark a four-beat pattern, starting with a stomp, followed by a knee tap, chest tap, and a clap. He advises practicing this pattern with a metronome and gradually increasing the speed to build rhythmic coordination and control. Rory also mentions the use of a metronome app with a vocalized count for singers and players, highlighting the importance of practice in ingraining rhythmic patterns.

15:04

🏋️‍♂️ The Importance of Practice in Mastering Rhythm

The final paragraph wraps up the video by reiterating the importance of regular and consistent practice in mastering rhythm. Rory compares rhythm development to brain training, noting that it takes time to ingrain different rhythms. He encourages viewers to practice identifying the pulse, vocalizing rhythms, counting out loud, and synchronizing cognitive movement to develop their internal sense of rhythm. Rory concludes by inviting viewers to ask questions, share thoughts, and subscribe to his channel for more music-related content, promising to see them in the next video.

Keywords

💡Rhythm

Rhythm is a fundamental aspect of music, defined as a sound or event that repeats regularly over time. In the context of this video, rhythm is likened to a muscle that can be developed and trained. The video explores how rhythm can be learned and internalized, much like a language, through exercises and practice. Rhythm is central to the video's theme of developing musicality and a sense of timing.

💡Beat

The beat is the foundational element of rhythm, described in the video as a single beat that repeats at regular time intervals, known as a pulse. It is the basis on which rhythm is played and is often what people instinctively tap their foot to. The beat is crucial for developing a perception of rhythm, and the video uses the concept of a metronome to help train this perception.

💡Metronome

A metronome is a device that produces an audible click at regular time intervals, which can be adjusted to different speeds (measured in beats per minute, or BPM). In the video, the metronome is presented as an essential tool for developing a sense of pulse and rhythm. It helps in practicing with a fixed pulse, which is vital for building rhythms and improving timing in music.

💡Pulse

Pulse, in the context of rhythm, refers to a steady, regular beat that provides a framework for rhythmic patterns. The video emphasizes the importance of the pulse as the foundation for rhythm, and it is used in exercises to help develop an internal sense of rhythm. The pulse is what drives the rhythm and is essential for musical timing.

💡Language

The video draws a parallel between rhythm and language, suggesting that rhythm can be learned and developed in a similar way to how languages are acquired. Words and syllables are used as examples to illustrate how rhythm can be applied to a pulse, creating a connection between linguistic patterns and musical rhythms.

💡Syllables

Syllables are the units of sound in speech that are used in the video to demonstrate how rhythm can be applied to a musical pulse. By linking the number of syllables in words to the number of beats, the video shows how rhythmic patterns can be created and practiced, enhancing the understanding of rhythm in music.

💡Internal Sense of Rhythm

The internal sense of rhythm refers to the ability to feel and maintain a sense of timing and rhythm internally, without external cues. The video emphasizes the importance of developing this internal sense through exercises and practice, which is crucial for musical performance and timing.

💡Audiation

Audiation is the scientific term used in the video to describe the mental process of internalizing and thinking about rhythms, similar to thinking in language. It is the act of vocalizing rhythms in one's head, which is a key component in developing an internal sense of rhythm and is crucial for musical performance.

💡Cadence

Cadence, in the context of the video, refers to the rhythmic flow or pattern of speech in different languages, which can be reflected in the rhythms of music. The video suggests that understanding and practicing cadence can help in developing a deeper understanding of rhythm and its application in music.

💡Body Percussion

Body percussion is the use of the body to create rhythmic sounds, as demonstrated in an exercise in the video. By coordinating movements like stomping, tapping knees, and clapping, the video shows how body percussion can help in developing an internal sense of rhythm and coordination, which is essential for playing music rhythmically.

💡Practice

Practice is a recurring theme in the video, emphasizing the importance of regular and consistent practice in developing rhythm and musicality. The video suggests that, like brain training, ingraining rhythms takes time and effort, and practice is key to improving one's sense of rhythm and timing in music.

Highlights

Rhythm is a natural ability that can be developed like a muscle.

Everyone has rhythm, and it can be improved through practice.

Rhythm is defined as a sound or event that repeats regularly over time.

The beat is the foundation of rhythm, similar to a pulse in a clock ticking.

A metronome is a helpful tool for developing a sense of pulse and rhythm.

Rhythm can be compared to language, with syllables corresponding to beats.

Exercises using words and syllables can help develop an internal sense of rhythm.

Vocalizing rhythms internally, or 'audiation', is crucial for developing rhythmic ability.

Counting out loud while practicing can help internalize the rhythm.

Different languages have different cadences, which can be reflected in their music.

The common cadence for movement is walking, which can help find the pulse in music.

Body percussion exercises can help synchronize movement with rhythm.

Practicing with a metronome and counting out loud builds an internal sense of pulse.

Complex rhythms can be broken down and practiced using simple counting and movement.

Regular and consistent practice is key to developing rhythmic ability.

The video provides exercises and tips for improving rhythm through various methods.

Transcripts

why is it that some people just seem to

be naturally

brilliant at rhythm is rhythm natural or

is rhythm something that we can learn

in this video i'm going to explore the

idea of rhythm and how we can develop

our internal sense of rhythm and develop

consistency

control and in turn musicality through

building a stronger

sense of rhythm now my belief is that

everyone has rhythm and that rhythm

is like a muscle and it's a muscle that

needs to be developed we learn

and develop the rhythm muscle the same

way that we learn and develop

different languages we're working

towards fluency with

lots of different rhythms in this video

i'm going to give you a handful of

simple exercises to develop your

internal

sense of rhythm oh yeah i'm rory by the

way i

and i'm a percussionist and composer

currently based in london originally

from ireland

and i have some music tutorials and

documentaries over on my youtube channel

if you'd like to check

those out at some point though back to

this video and let's start

by exploring what rhythm actually is

[Music]

rhythm is a sound or event that repeats

regularly

over time and time is the important

element in that definition because music

exists

in time unlike a book or a painting or

sculpture

which is timeless it just stands or sits

there

music exists in time there are so many

words that we use interchangeably around

rhythm

which can sometimes make it a little bit

confusing

let's first look at beat

at the heart of rhythm lies the beat and

beat

is the foundation on which the rhythm is

played on

a single beat that repeats at regular

time intervals

is called a pulse and you can see that

represented in these sound waves of a

clock ticking which repeats evenly

over time often the pulse is the part of

the music you

instinctively tap your foot to and this

is the crucial

ingredient we need to develop our

perception of in order to improve

our sense of rhythm now there's an

incredibly helpful tool that you can use

to develop your sense of pulse

called a metronome a metronome is a

device that produces

an audible click at regular time

intervals which can be slowed down

and sped up by you the person using it

speed

on the metronome is measured by the

number of beats in a minute

which we shorten to bpm a clock

has 60 beats in a minute at one second

intervals

so we can set a metronome at one second

intervals which would be

60 bpm if we have two equal beats per

second

that would be 120 bpm 120 beats

in one minute two beats on each second

and you can quickly move between

different bpm using a metronome without

doing lots

of boring mathematics and i'm personally

not very good at math so that is helpful

for me

nowadays metronomes are mostly digital

and there are great apps for phones and

devices to download

and even metronomes you can access

through the web browser you're watching

this video on right now i've linked all

of these below in the description box in

the case you want to download those

and whilst you're down there if you're

enjoying this video make sure to give it

a thumbs up and subscribe to my youtube

channel

metronome is the best way to identify a

solid

fixed pulse from which to practice with

and to build rhythms on

now as i said earlier in the video i

like to think about rhythm

like language and when we apply the

principles of language to building

rhythms

we can develop a much deeper

understanding of how different rhythms

work

and how rhythms are actually built of

course

language is the means through which we

communicate using a voice

using words those words can be broken

down into syllables

when we apply those syllables to a pulse

a musical pulse on the metronome

we create a rhythm let's start with

words made up of two syllables

like coffee london happy and so on

they all have two beats so by linking

the number of syllables to the number of

beats

we are tapping into a whole language of

different rhythmic

possibilities let's take the word coffee

to start with not least because i like

drinking coffee but with two

hard syllables coffee we're going to

apply

coffee to a pulse which we're going to

set up on the metronome and let's start

with

70 bpm to start with

that's our pulse we're saying the word

coffee

with this pulse this click on the

metronome coffee

coffee coffee coffee coffee

coffee coffee so we've applied

the word to the pulse first that's the

first part of this exercise

next we're going to clap the syllables

of coffee with the pulse

we're going to get that pulse going

coffee coffee we're going to add

clapping

coffee

coffee coffee coffee coffee

so we're saying and playing the

syllables and beats

together at the same time next up

we're gonna just play coffee

we're gonna say it in our head so play

don't say

now when we are thinking the words and

playing the beats

this is where the magic happens this is

the internal sense of rhythm that we

want to tap

into whilst we are practicing now of

course you can take

three syllable words galloping galloping

galloping galloping

four syllables piccadilly piccadilly

piccadilly piccadilly five syllables

hippopotamus hippopotamus slipper

potting mississippi and so

on of course you can make combinations

different words

the next stage once you've vocalized the

rhythms practice playing them

on your instrument so here's an exercise

on your instrument pick a note or chord

or just clap

with me we're going to do this exercise

together make sure

to follow this order first just say the

words

with the click second say and play

unless of course you're singing

or you're playing a wind instrument uh

skip straight to stage three

which is play the rhythm don't say it

they'll keep saying the words in your

head okay so

70 bpm we'll say piccadilly four

syllables yeah

piccadilly piccadilly piccadilly

piccadilly piccadilly pick it tilly pick

it dilly

so we're just saying it first that's the

first stage second stage

playing and saying second stage is

playing

and saying

second stage moving on to the third

which is

just plank no sink

now the idea of saying the words

internally in your head is crucial

this is where we start to develop our

internal sense of rhythm

this is what we want and this is what

makes us in turn

rhythmical or good at rhythm this is the

internal clock that all great musicians

carry around and use in their

performances

ask any musician about the importance of

internal pulse

and internalizing rhythm and see what

they say to you now the scientific word

for this action this thing of vocalizing

the rhythms in our head

is called audiation this is the musical

equivalent of thinking in language for

example like when we're

having a conversation with someone we

must retain the vocal sounds

of that person long enough to recognize

and give meaning to the words that they

are saying

now continuing with this idea of rhythm

being like a language

different accents within different

languages have different cadence points

and as you can imagine different

languages have entirely different

cadences

as in different timing or flow it's

actually

pretty fascinating to see how this is

reflected in different music from

different places

that kind of feels like an entirely

different topic for another day

though if you're interested in language

and music i would encourage you to check

out my

documentary hidden drummers of india in

part one i meet an incredible percussion

guru called gatan gerita

udupa who taught me about the carnatic

music system where the language of

conical is what's used to teach and to

share and express rhythm

now though going back to cadence and why

that's important for rhythm

what we're doing today which is working

on our internal sense of rhythm

there's one common cadence across all

accents in all languages

and that is the pattern with which we

are taught to count

numbers

now you know how to count and you are

fluent in your own language

so by counting over the beats as you

play out loud

over time you will start to develop your

own internal

metronome or internal sense of pulse

which we spoke about earlier

now let's take a four beat rhythm

tea coffee piccadilly tea

tea

we're going to play that rhythm we're

going to get comfortable with it i

encourage you to try this at home as

well

if you're struggling with that rhythm

don't forget the three steps say it

first

tea coffee picky tilly tea then same

play

coffee pickle tea then just play

of course thinking about those words

thinking about those rhythms whilst

you're doing it

then we're going to apply this idea of

counting out lead

four beats of course you've got one two

three

four beats in this pattern i'm gonna

play the pattern i'm gonna count

out loud as i'm playing it

one two three four

counting out loud whilst i play it of

course we can practice that with our

metronome practicing with the pulse

that was our rhythm we're gonna count

out loud

one two three four

one two three four

one two three four

and so on now applying the principle of

counting out loud

is simple for simple rhythms though much

more difficult for complex and

complicated rhythm

[Music]

two patterns four one

two three four one

two three four one

two three four when players and singers

you're probably thinking

what about me how do i do this this

exercise is going to be a little more

abstract for you

though i think still worth working on

and i recommend using a metronome app

that comes with the option for a

vocalized count

i use metro timer for iphone which i

find really helpful

pop this through an amp or speaker and

it's a really effective tool

one two three four

one two three four one two three four

one two three four one two three four

one two

synchronized movement is another really

important

element in developing your internal

sense of rhythm

playing a musical instrument after all

is just a series of controlled movements

and actions

this next exercise helps us to

coordinate how we move

and how we move rhythmically whilst the

common cadence for language is counting

numbers

you could say the common cadence for

movement would be

walking it's probably why many people

tap their foot

while listening to music or playing

music or indeed trying to find the pulse

in a piece of music so i want you to try

this exercise with me we're gonna take a

four beat pattern that we're gonna mark

out using our body using body percussion

so the first beat we're gonna do stomp

stomp second beat we're gonna do knee

knee just gonna tap our knees third

we're gonna tap our chest chest

chest and then the fourth we're just

going to do a clap so all together it

goes stomp

stomp knee knee chest chest drop

now we're going to get going with pulse

one two three four one two three four

one we're gonna get that going

with a pulse on a regular click we're

gonna set the metronome to 70 bpm to

start with nice and steady

so goals stomp stomp knee knee

chest chest clap stop stomp knee knee

chest chest clap stomp stomp knee knee

chest chest cap so get comfortable with

that pattern first if you need to pause

the video

get that pattern really flowing get it

really smooth we're gonna

get things going a little bit more

tricky now okay so stomp stomp

knee knee chest chest clap stomp stomp

knee

knee chest chest crap next time no clap

no clap there imagine it

you can say clap in your head

next time no chest stomp stomp knee knee

stomp stompy

next time no knee

stomp stump next time no stomp

clap we're sitting in our head

visualizing it

so you can come back in with the clack

clap even

some chest chest chest chest

clap

next time stomp stomp

stomp stomp

that was a pretty simple example but you

can try different

combinations of actions like maybe click

clap

knee knee stomp stomp click

clap knee stomp stomp adding and

subtracting the different actions to the

click

start slow and build up speed and

remember

you're building that audition where

you're visualizing saying

patterns in your head this is where we

really start to tap

into our internal sense of rhythm by

practicing these exercises you are

developing your coordination

and control which are both crucial for

playing rhythmically and

in time now identifying the pulse

vocalizing rhythms

counting out loud as you practice and

synchronizing cognitive movement

they're all very well though rhythm will

only come

with practice regular and consistent

practice

think of it like brain training it takes

time to ingrain

different rhythms i hope that this video

has been interesting or maybe even

helpful and don't hesitate to ask me any

questions or share your thoughts in the

comments section below

and if you like this video you can hit

the like button and make sure to

subscribe to my channel for more music

related content in the future

and until then everybody take care and i

shall see you

in the next video bye