Understanding the Pulse in Music

The other thing we can think about is the pulse itself. In the first section, we started very simply, didn't we, with a left-hand pulse on this one note.

Now, of course, we can vary the rhythm and the beat of the pulse itself.

Variations in the Pulse

So it might become something like this: this.

• Already, I have something that's a little more march-like.
• All I'm doing is simply two short beats and a longer beat:
  • Short, long.

And again, you can tap it with your foot or with your other hand. Whatever helps you get this pulse.

Exploring with Both Hands

Likewise, with the left hand, I can start being adventurous with the pulse. Let's try something different with the right hand now.

• So there I am varying it in the middle of the improvisation.
• But again, to get rhythmic interest and variety.

You'll find that the pulse hand can really lead on the other hand in that respect.