Note-Based and Syllabic Counting

Note-Based and Syllabic Counting

Note-Based and Syllabic Counting While measure-based counting is excellent for plotting addresses on a grid, note-based counting focuses on the shape of the pattern itself—specifically the space between the pillars.$$Graphic 14-2: Note Based Counting Methods$$

Hands D N D N D N D N D N D N D N D N
Var 1 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 4
Var 2 1 & a 2 & a 3 e & a 4 & 5 e & a
Var 3 Ta ki da Ta ki da Ta ki din na Ta ki Ta ki din na
Clave X X X X X

If we count the empty boxes between the drum strikes of the Clave, we discover its mathematical shape: a grouping of 3, 3, 4, 2, and 4 (as shown in Variation 1).

In variation 2 we are counting the pillars and using syllables to fill the spaces to define the length of the note or the number of units of time until the next note. #&a = 3, #& = 2, #e&a = 4 and so on.    

However, counting numbers quickly becomes clinical. A far more musical way to measure this space is through Syllabic Counting (Variation 3). By using traditional syllables (like "Ta-ki-da") or even ordinary words, we bypass the analytical brain and engage the musical mind.

As long as each syllable occupies an equidistant box on the grid with no pauses between words, the Clave pattern can easily be spoken and internalized as: strawberry-strawberry-rutabaga-lemon-rutabaga.$$Graphic 14-3: Syllable Counting$$

Hands D N D N D N D N D N D N D N D N
Count 1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a
Var 3 straw ber y straw ber y rut a beg a lem on rut a beg a
Clave X X X X X

$$Audio 14-4: Syllable Counting$$

Syllables are a fantastic tool for internalizing the "song" of a rhythm before your hands ever touch the drum.

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Practice Tempo100 BPM