Idiomatic rhythms around the world
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify idiomatic rhythmic features of key Western and non-Western styles.
Key learning points
- Many styles around the world are defined by idiomatic rhythms.
- Some of these are linked with specific styles, such as skank (reggae), chaal (bhangra) and scotch snap (Celtic folk).
- Others have their roots in specific regions, but are used in many styles, such as the clave and tresillo rhythms.
- Some are not specific rhythms, but types of rhythms, such as swing, free rhythms and driving rhythms.
Keywords
Driving rhythms - fast, repeated rhythms that create a sense of energy
Clave - a five-note syncopated rhythm with various forms; the most common form is the son clave
Tresillo - a three-note rhythm that is the same as the ‘3’ of the son clave
Chaal - the name commonly given to a particular distinctive rhythm played on the dhol in bhangra
Free rhythms - when free rhythms are played, they create no clear sense of pulse
Common misconception
Idiomatic rhythms are rhythms that are only used in a specific style.
Idiomatic rhythms are rhythms that are typically associated with that style, but can also be heard in different styles. For example, while the skank rhythm is very idiomatic in reggae, there are many other styles that also repeat off-beat quavers.
Teacher tip
The rhythmic features covered in this lesson are not exhaustive, but are some of the key idiomatic rhythms that pupils should look out for. Further listening practice focused on describing the rhythmic features of unfamiliar music should take account of idiomatic rhythms like these where possible.
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