Rhythm is the heartbeat of music. Even a perfectly played melody sounds wrong if the rhythm is off, which is why tutors spend so much time on counting.

Beats and bars

Music is divided into small sections called bars (or measures). Each bar contains a set number of beats, which you can count and tap along to.

Reading a time signature

The two stacked numbers at the start of a piece form the time signature. The top number tells you how many beats are in each bar. The bottom number tells you what kind of note gets one beat.

  • 4/4: four crotchet beats per bar. The most common time signature in pop, gospel and rock.
  • 3/4: three beats per bar, giving the swaying feel of a waltz.
  • 2/4: two beats per bar, common in marches.
  • 6/8: six quaver beats, felt in two groups of three, with a rolling feel.

Practising rhythm

  1. Clap the rhythm while counting out loud before playing it.
  2. Use a metronome at a slow speed.
  3. Tap your foot on each beat while you play.
If you can say it and clap it, you can play it.