Rhythm Techniques Flashcards
(13 cards)
What are triplets in music?
Three notes played in the time of two.
Gives a ‘rolling’ or ‘swinging’ feel. Common in: Classical music, Jazz, Rock.
What are dotted rhythms?
A dotted note followed by a shorter one (e.g., dotted quaver + semiquaver).
Creates a ‘long-short’ feel (often called ‘scotch snap’ when reversed). Common in: Baroque music, folk dances.
What is swung rhythm?
Uneven pairs of notes, like a lazy triplet feel.
Used in: Jazz, Blues, Swing.
What is hemiola?
A rhythmic device where the music feels like it’s changing time signature temporarily (e.g., 2 groups of 3 beats instead of 3 groups of 2).
Found in: Baroque music, especially cadences.
What is an ostinato?
A repeated musical phrase or rhythm.
What is syncopation?
Emphasis on the weak/off-beats, creating a ‘displaced’ or unexpected feel.
Common in: Jazz, Pop, Latin, and Baroque music.
What is polyrhythm?
Two or more contrasting rhythms played simultaneously.
Example: Triplets against duplets. Common in: African music, Minimalism.
What is cross-rhythm?
A type of polyrhythm where one rhythm is played in a different time signature or grouping.
Example: Three notes played in the time of two.
What is Hemiola?
A rhythmic device where the music feels like it’s changing time signature temporarily (e.g., 2 groups of 3 beats instead of 3 groups of 2).
Found in: Baroque music, especially cadences.
What is Ostinato?
A repeated rhythmic (or melodic) pattern.
Used in: Minimalism, Film music, Classical, and Pop.
What are Augmentation and Diminution?
Augmentation: Rhythmic values are doubled. Diminution: Rhythmic values are halved.
Used in: Fugal and contrapuntal music (e.g., Bach), Minimalism.
What is Backbeat?
Strong accent on beats 2 and 4.
Common in: Pop, Rock, R&B.
What is Free rhythm?
No strict tempo or time signature.
Found in: Some folk music, raga, and introductory sections of pieces.
