18 More Notes, Thirty-Second Rhythms & Swing
INTRODUCTION
In this unit you will learn more fretted notes on the first string, thirty-second note rhythms and different methods for notating swing rhythm.
NOTATIONS
Notes
The Note ‘E’
‘E’ is in the third leger line above the staff. To play ‘E,’ fret the twelfth fret on the first string.
The Note ‘F’
‘F’ sits on top of the third leger line above the staff. To play ‘F’ fret the thirteenth fret on the first string.
The Notes ‘F♯’ or ‘G♭’
‘F♯’ and ‘G♭’ are enharmonics. To play ‘F♯’ or ‘G♭’, fret the fourteenth fret on the first string.
The Note ‘G’
‘G’ sits on top of the fourth leger line above the staff. To play ‘G’ fret the fifteenth fret on the first string.
Rhythms
Thirty-Second Note in Simple Meter
A thirty-second note sustains for one-eighth of a beat in simple meter. The thirty-second note can be written in two ways: either with three beams or three flags.
Beamed Thirty-Second Notes
This example contains four thirty-second notes.. The thirty-second note consists of a note head that is colored in, a stem and three beams.
Flagged Thirty-Second Notes
In this example, the thirty-second notes contain flags instead of beams.
Thirty-Second Rest
A thirty-second rest creates silence for one-eighth of a beat in simple meter. It consists of a diagonal line with three small flags.
How to Count Thirty-Second Notes in Simple Meter
It’s impossible to count thirty-second notes in a methodical manner at a brisk tempo, simply because they proceed faster than most of us can count. Therefore, it is best to devote part of your practice to recognizing and playing different combinations of thirty-second and sixteenth notes. Aim to play them in relation to the pulse in an intuitive (not intellectual) manner. However, while developing this skill, it will help to slow down the pulse and count according to the method below. When this becomes manageable, speed up the pulse (little by little) until you count only the pulse, not the rhythmic sub-divisions of the pulse.
I recommend counting in the manner described above (view the video for a demonstration). The first eighth of the beat receives a number, which represents the its placement in the measure. The second eighth of the beat receives the sound ‘di.’ The third eighth of the beat receives the sound ‘ee.’ The fourth eighth of the beat receives the sound ‘da.’ The fifth eighth of the beat receives the sound ‘&.’ The sixth eighth of the beat receives the sound ‘di.’ The seventh eighth of the beat receives the sound ‘ah.’ The last eighth of the beat receives the sound ‘da.’
Bear in mind that thirty-second notes are usually ornamental. When applicable, it will help to recognize them as a trill, turn, mordent, etc. Further, ornaments are often played with a greater degree of expression and flexibility because they are not as structurally important as melody. Despite this fact, many composers request that musicians perform thirty-second notes and ornaments with rhythmic precisi