Rhythmic Exercises
A common tendency is to focus on what notes to play when improvising, though rhythm is at least as equally as important. As an improviser, playing with good time (consistent quarter and eighth notes) is something to strive for. Jazz was originally dance music! In addition to consistent swinging quarter notes and eighth notes, the next PDF gives some ideas on how to incorporate different rhythms into improvising.
Download or Print Module 1 – PDF #4 Rhythmic Exercises
- Practice each of these exercises slowly at first with a metronome (quarter note = 92 or less).
- Start with example 1 from Module 1 – PDF#4 (Off-beats) and work through some of the variations later in the PDF.
- Practice these variations through scales and triads first and refer to the listening examples in the PDF for how advanced jazz improvisers apply the examples on jazz tunes
- Try some of the rhythms on any jazz song you are working on (specifically on the blues, “Solar” and “What is This Thing Called Love?”, which appear later in this text).
- These rhythms are meant to be worked on over time. Try to focus on one concept for long stretches, getting comfortable at a variety of tempos, articulations, etc.
Audio Examples
Offbeats, off 1 and 3
Offbeats, off every beat
Off 1 and 3 with 3 8th Notes
On the Beat, off the Beat Two Notes
On the Beat, off the Beat Three Notes
Groups of Four 8th Notes With One 8th Rest
Groups of Five 8th Notes with One 8th Rest
Triplets Up and Down Scale
Triplets Up and Down Scale Phrased in 2’s
Download Offbeats, off every beat Here
Download Off 1 and 3 with 3 8th Notes Here
Download On the Beat, off the Beat Two Notes Here
Download On the Beat, off the Beat Three Notes Here
Download Groups of Four 8th Notes With One 8th Rest Here
Download Groups of Five 8th Notes with One 8th Rest Here