Part 2 · Reading Rhythm · Chapter 18

Sixteenth-Note Rhythms, Part 1

Most sixteenth-note rhythms are combinations of sixteenths and eighths inside one beat. Two of the most common:

“1 e &”: two sixteenths then an eighth. It sounds like “quick-ly go”.
“1 & a”: an eighth then two sixteenths. It sounds like a gallop.

EXAMPLE 18.11 e &

TEMPO

Two sixteenths and an eighth in every beat.

EXAMPLE 18.21 & a

TEMPO

An eighth and two sixteenths in every beat.

EXAMPLE 18.3Mix them

TEMPO

Straight sixteenths, 1 e &, 1 & a, and eighths.

Keep the hands movingTIP

An easy way to keep perfect time: move your hands in constant sixteenths (R L R L) and only let the stick touch the drum on the notes that are written.