Home - Practice Pattern Table of Contents - Lesson 11 Practice Patterns
Practice Suggestions for Learning How to Play Rhythms in Cut Time
For all of the patterns in lessons 1 through 10, the quarter note has been equal to one beat. However, in cut time the half note is equal to one beat so the length of each note value is different from what it is in 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4. Check the Lesson 11 Introduction for the relative note values so you know exactly how many beats each note should be played.
Use the MetronomeBot that counts the beat in duple meter. It will be very helpful for practicing these patterns.
Patterns 1101 through 1105 feature cut time rhythms with whole notes and half notes. There are no notes shorter than one beat in these patterns, so you do not need to count the subdivisions.
Patterns 1106 through 1112 include quarter notes, which are equal to half a beat in cut time. For these patterns, you should subdivide the beat in half and count the “ands” on the second half of each beat.
Patterns 1113 through 1118 include eighth notes, which are equal to 1/4 of a beat in cut time, so you will need to count the quadruple subdivision of each beat: “one - e - and - a - two - e - and - a.”
To feel the beat better, lightly tap your foot on every beat.
Count strongly and clearly with a metronome to make sure that you are performing the rhythms accurately.
For more practice tips and suggestions, visit the Practice page.
Practice Pattern Table of Contents
Lesson 11 Introduction - learn about cut time and note values
Lesson 11 Practice Patterns 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.
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