Home - Practice Pattern Table of Contents - Lesson 2 Practice Patterns
Practice Suggestions for Learning Ties, Half Notes, Dotted Half Notes, Whole Notes, and Their Rests
The patterns in Lesson 2 introduce ties, half notes, dotted half notes, whole notes, and their equivalent rests. Read the Lesson 2 Introduction to make sure that you fully understand how long each note should be played.
To feel the beat clearly, lightly tap your foot on every beat.
Always count the beats while clapping. Count loudly and strongly!
When clapping these rhythms, hold your hands together for the full length of each note, and bring your hands apart at the beginning of each rest. Remember: in these time signatures half notes will equal 2 beat, dotted half notes will equal 3 beats, and whole notes will equal 4 beats.
When playing these patterns on your instrument, listen carefully and play each note for its full value. When a note is followed by a rest, cut off the note right at the beginning of the rest.
Wind and brass instrumentalists: count the beats in your mind while playing. Doing that accurately with a metronome will ensure that you are playing the notes the correct length.
Use MetronomeBot’s Talking Metronomes for some of your practice. They will help you to play all of the notes and rests the correct length.
Talking Metronome for 2/4
Talking Metronome for 3/4
Talking Metronome for 4/4
Always feel the beat and play with it!
For more practice tips and suggestions, visit the Practice page.
Practice Pattern Table of Contents
Get the Book
Fundamentals of Rhythm book
If you would like all of this information in book format so that you can put it on your music stand and practice it wherever you go, get The Fundamentals of Rhythm, by Kyle Coughlin. The book includes all of the lesson information and practice exercises found on the website.
Use MetronomeBot for a fun online metronome!
The online metronome that counts the beat, subdivides, and offers encouraging practice tips.
If you like this site, please share it with others!
Like Kyle Coughlin Music on Facebook
Follow Kyle Coughlin Music on Twitter