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Lesson 13: Subdividing the Beat When the Eighth Note Equals One Beat
In Lesson 8 we learned that a sixteenth note is equal to half the length of an eighth note. Therefore, when the eighth note is equal to one beat, the sixteenth note is equal to half of a beat.
Subdivided Eighth Note Beats
When sixteenth notes occur on the second half of the beat in 3/8, 4/8, or 6/8 time, the “+” sign is used, and we count the word “and.”
Just as the sixteenth note is equal to half a beat, the sixteenth rest is also equal to half a beat.
Here is a continuation of the relative note value chart from Lesson 12, with the eighth note equal to one beat.
One dotted eighth note = three sixteenth notes = 1 and 1/2 beats:
One sixteenth note = half the length of an eighth note = 1/2 a beat:
Lesson 13 Practice Suggestions
The eight note is not always equal to one beat in 3/8 and 6/8 time. Learn how to play in compound meter in Lesson 14.
Write your own rhythms and music compositions! Get free blank staff paper at www.music-paper.com.
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Fundamentals of Rhythm book
If you would like all of this information in book format so that you can put it on your music stand and practice it wherever you go, get The Fundamentals of Rhythm, by Kyle Coughlin. The book includes all of the lesson information and practice exercises found on the website.
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The online metronome that counts the beat, subdivides, and offers encouraging practice tips.
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