How To Count Rhythm, Part 1 - TWO MINUTE MUSIC THEORY #6

Today we’re going to learn how to count to four!

Measures can be made up of any combination of notes, so long as they add up to the correct number of beats. We call this combination of notes a rhythm. And we’ve come up with a number of systems for counting them. Today I’ll go through the system that I was taught and makes the most sense to me. However, there are plenty of other systems too that might make more sense for you.

When counting rhythm, it is important to also keep a steady pulse somehow. If you are counting the rhythms out loud, perhaps clap or snap the individual beats. Or, if you are clapping the rhythms, maybe tap your foot to the beat.

For notes landing on a beat, we call it the number of the beat. For example, this measure of 4 quarter notes is simply counted 1, 2, 3, 4.

However, when we add in 8th notes, we have notes that fall directly in the middle of the beat. If a note falls directly on the off beat, we count that by saying the word “and”.

Now, let’s stick a dotted quarter note at the beginning of that measure. This is where hearing my audio cue in the video will be very helpful - where I snap the beat while counting this rhythm out loud.

And when we add 16th notes, we call the second 16th note ‘e’ and the fourth 16th note ‘a’.

So, take a look at this measure made entirely from 16th notes.

Rests are not counted out loud, and may simply be counted in your head if necessary. Perhaps most importantly, when you are counting rhythms, make sure to stay in time. A Metronome is your best friend.

Here’s a very popular rhythm. It’s the rhythmic ostinato to the Cup Song.
Again, the audio cue on the video could be very helpful here.