Understanding Rhythm in Music

Once you learn to keep track of the beat, you'll purposely make different notes louder instead of the downbeat notes in order to create more interesting rhythms.

Advanced Concepts for Future Lessons

• This is a more advanced concept for future lessons.
• I've put together a lot of exercises to help you understand how to do that.

Mastering the Basics

However, it's impossible to do until you really have a handle on:

• Keeping track of the beat while you're playing:
  • The forward roll
  • The backward roll
  • All different rolls

So, have fun with that!

Important Tips for Rhythm

And remember, as you're playing those rolls:

• Keep that thumb up to maintain an even rhythm.
• If you drop that thumb and don't get it up in time:
  • The rhythm
  • The timing
    • Won't be even
    • Won't be consistent