Learn Rhythm with Rhythm Syllables: Easy, Fun and Quick

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Chanting and clapping or tapping rhythm syllables is an easy and fun way to quickly learn even complicated rhythm patterns.

In this lesson, you will learn what syllables you can use, and how to combine them for different rhythm patterns.

Let's Learn Rhythm using Rhythm Syllables

Sounding the rhythms before clapping, tapping or playing, makes it easier to perform even relatively complicated rhythm patterns.

This method is even easier than counting rhythm since you will focus on the sound of the rhythm rather than numbers. By learning to read notes in groups or patterns, you will also speed up your note-reading skills.

Tip: A useful resource for learning rhythm, is Basics in Rhythm: An Instrumental Text for All Instruments and Voice.

Video Example:

Here is an advanced video example of how rhythm syllables are used in Classical Indian music, called "Solkattu".

Have Fun With Rhythm Syllables!

Rhythm Syllables

When using rhythm syllables, first we divide the note values into two groups;

1. longer note values that are equal to, or more than 1 beat, and
2. shorter note values that are grouped together to form 1 or more beats.

Since this is a beginners lesson, we will only use simple time signatures, like 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4, where the quarter note is worth 1 beat. 

Work in This Order

To learn this method of using rhythm syllables as quickly as possible, work in this order:

1. First, learn how to chant the syllables for each note value or group.
2. Practice different rhythms by chanting the syllables while clapping, stamping, or tapping a steady beat.
3. Then clap, tap or play the rhythm (not the beat). Make sure to clap the same as the chanting. If you can, stamp the steady beat with your foot, or use a metronome. Otherwise, just feel the steady beat inside you.
4. Finally, clap, tap or play the rhythm pattern while thinking the rhythm syllables.

Longer Note Values with One or More Whole Beats

Simply start with the syllable Ta and then emphasize an a for each additional beat, like this;

Whole note (or any note value 4 beats long) = Ta-a-a-a

Dotted half note (or any note value 3 beats long)= Ta-a-a

Half note (or any note value 2 beats long)= Ta-a

Quarter note (or any note value 1 beat long)= Ta

Exercises

Practice with these examples. Remember to keep the beat steady as you chant the syllables!

Shorter Note Values Combined in Groups of One Beat

 (The bold letters indicate where the beat is. Emphasize this as you chant the syllables.)

Tip: Triplets have to be very evenly spaced on the beat; ti - ke - ti. Imagine saying Winnie-the (Pooh) without the Pooh.

Exercises

Let's practice! Remember to keep tapping a steady beat with your hand or foot.

Tips:

1. Remember to keep a steady beat.
2. Chant the syllables (which you should have learned by heart by now!), then chant and clap the rhythm.
3. Clap the rhythm and think the syllables,
4. Finally tap or play the rhythm on your instrument.

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