More Set Rhythms
After you have control of each individual beat, try any combination of two beats or three beats. The following example uses a set rhythm on the second and third beats. Although several techniques are employed for this example the rhythm is not affected, as each technique is played as a grace note (see lesson 12). Listen to the recording several times to get the correct timing of the rhythm.
Once you have tried set rhythms using eighth notes on any combination of beats, the next thing to do is play them all off the beat. Every beat becomes a rest, with eighth notes played between the beats. The swing rhythm is applied so the note is played on the "let" part of the count.
Playing off the beat is usually more difficult than playing on the beat but it helps to give a completely different feel. It drives the rhythm forward and makes it possible to anticipate chord changes by half a beat.
