REWIRE MUSIC THEORY 

Learn

1.3 BEAT map reading

Rhythm is the organization of notes in time. Each note has a beginning (attack), middle (sustain), and end (release). The empty spaces in between notes are called rests. A beat map is a form of notation that shows the states of rhythm along with each beat’s subdivision.



  • Watch the walkthrough video.

  • Learn the information below.

 

What is a Beat map?

Four States of Rhythm
Attack: The beginning of a note.
Sustain: The middle of a note.
Release: The end of a note.
Rest: A period of musical time when a note isn’t played.

Syncopation: An attack on a weak beat without an attack on the strong beat before it.

 

Apply

BEAT MAP READING

When clapping a rhythm your hands come together on each note’s attack, stay together during the sustain, and come apart on each release.

Let’s try it!

 

Test

BEAT MAP PERFORMANCE

Demonstrate your ability to play rhythms by reading a beat map.

OPEN IN SOUNDTRAP

    1. Add a piano instrument (add new track > add piano and keyboard).

    2. Practice reading the rhythm. Play middle C on the piano keyboard while counting along with backing track. (C is the note to the left of the two black keys, and middle C is the one in the middle of the piano keyboard.)

    3. Press the key down on each note’s attack, hold the key down during the sustain, and lift the key on the release.

 

Listen

TRANSCRIPTION

Being able to identify rhythms by ear is an essential skill.

  • Watch the video to learn how to transcribe rhythms.

  • Transcribe the rhythms of the drum grooves below.

    • Listen to each four-measure example and memorize the clap pattern.

    • Copy the clap pattern on a Blank Beat Map.

 

Compose

KICK BASS COMPOSITION

Write and record a kick bass part to complete the beat.

OPEN IN SOUNDTRAP

    1. Open the Soundtrap template.

    2. Add new track > Guitar + Bass > Bass - Kick (808) > 808 Tape.

    3. Practice counting and playing the kick bass line using the MIDI keyboard using the lowest note on a 49 key MIDI keyboard (C2). You can alternatively use the “Z” key on the typing keyboard.

    4. Record the performance.

    5. Quantize the recording to the correct subdivision.

    6. Alter the end of the note to match the organizer.