Adding rhythmic variation to ground bass
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify different rhythmic values and am able to apply these to a ground bass.
Key learning points
- The tresillo rhythm is a syncopated three-note pattern stretched across four beats (often called 3-3-2 pattern).
- The habanera rhythm is a two beat rhythm that is similar to the tresillo in that the second note is syncopated.
- The tresillo and habanera contain dotted notes, which is a type of note worth 1.5 times the value of the original note.
- Adapting a ground bass by using either the tresillo or habanera to add rhythmic interest.
Keywords
Semibreve - also known as a whole note, this is worth four beats
Semiquaver - also known as a sixteenth note, this is worth 1/4 of a beat
Dotted note - this type of note is worth 1.5 times the value of the original value
Tresillo - a syncopated three-note rhythmic pattern stretched across four beats (often called 3-3-2 pattern)
Habanera - a two beat rhythm that uses dotted notes and an accented upbeat
Common misconception
One iteration of the tresillo and habanera has to last for two beats.
The tresillo and habanera can be played in 2/4 or 4/4. The important thing is the relationship of the notes to each other. Practise clapping the rhythms twice as fast or slow to the same beat to help pupils grasp this concept.
Teacher tip
The tresillo and habanera are predominantly used to encourage development of rhythmic ideas. Pupils can use an extension of these rhythms to develop their pattern but should use a consistent pattern for each chord. Pupils could also use another suitable bass or chord instrument for the task.
Equipment
Keyboard instrument
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which best describes rhythm in music?
Q2.When the emphasis falls on the off-beat or unexpected part of the bar, this is called ...
Q3.The tresillo rhythm is also known as the ...
Q4.What happens to the length of a note when it has a dot after it?
Q5.Match the British and American note names:
Q6.A semiquaver is worth of a beat in 4/4 time.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the tresillo rhythm counting pattern?
Q2.What is the habanera rhythm?
Q3.Match each rhythm to its description:
Q4.What do the tresillo and habanera rhythms have in common?
Q5.Both the tresillo and habanera rhythms come from musical traditions.
Q6.How long is a dotted crotchet worth?
To help you plan your 9 music lesson on: Adding rhythmic variation to ground bass, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 music lesson on: Adding rhythmic variation to ground bass, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 music lessons from the Harmonic progressions and bass lines unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.