FOR MUSICIANS

DIGITAL RHYTHMIC COMPOSITION / INTRO TO MAKING “BEATS”

Rhythmic increments are very simply the subdivisions of a measure.  In order to compose INTENTIONAL rhythms, it is necessary to be able to analyze existing rhythms and map out where each drum is hitting.  Start with quarter notes (where each note is a quarter of a musical measure), then eighth notes, then sixteenth notes.  Once you can analyze and map other rhythms, it will be easier to create your own by drawing out a rhythmic grid and placing drum hits, or by placing drum hits within an audio sequencer grid.

Audio sequencers are computer programs that display grids representing either time or individual beats.  Sounds can be placed at specific points along the grid, and moved around for different results.