Module 2 · Beginner

Rhythm I: pulse and note values

The bass holds two jobs at once, harmony and rhythm. This module covers the rhythmic side: the beat, how long notes last, and how music is grouped into bars.

Before this module

0.3 Reading the diagrams

Lessons

2.1
Beat, tempo and BPM
Feel and count a steady beat, and set a tempo in beats per minute.
Requires: 0.3
2.2
Note values and rests
Know the basic note lengths, whole to eighth, and their rests.
Requires: 2.1
2.3
Bars and time signatures
Read a time signature and group beats into bars.
Requires: 2.2
2.4
Counting eighth notes
Count and play steady eighth notes and place notes on the off-beats.
Requires: 2.3
2.5
Strong and weak beats
Recognise which beats of a bar carry weight, and how the bass relates to the drums.
Requires: 2.4
2.6
Dots and ties
Read dotted notes and tied notes, and count their exact length.
Requires: 2.4