Single Beat Rhythmic Phrases

Following the description from the intro chapter, in this part of advanced section we will move further and show rhythmic phrases that can be constructed by repeating the sequence of consecutive single beats (16th notes). While in a theory those phrases might as well be described by polyrhythmic composition of different simple rhythms it is much easier to memorize them by thinking about consecutive beat patterns.

If we for example combine two identical simple divisive 2/4 rhythms, but shifted in phase for one beat, as showed below, we get the sequnces of 2 consecutive beats (beats 3 and 4) repeated throuought the whole phrase.

As this simple beat sequence is just being repeated it is then easy to memorize the positions of those beats and repeat them throughout the phrase. In this example the beat sequence starts with the beat 4 so we start counting from it and count: ..4,1..4,1.. etc.

In the following lessons we will also show phrases with diffrerent number of beats per sequence, some of those starting from different beat positions.




Disclaimer: The tabs found on this site do not represent official versions of the songs. All songs are transcribed by Bossa Nova Guitar and we are not claiming to have written either the chords or the lyrics to these songs. These files simply represent our interpretation of the music and are in no other way related to the original or any subsequent version of the song that we have transcribed. We can therefore not guarantee that any of the bossa nova chords or lyrics on this site are correct. You may only use these tabs for private study, scholarship, or research. You may not use these transcripts to perform this music publicly or in any form sell them or make money from them. We shall not be considered responsible for any unauthorized use of what is published in these pages. Please read the Privacy Statement.

Bossa Nova GuitarTM, 1998-2017.