% Time
There are 2 x 1/4 notes ( or any combination of notes which take up the same space of time as 2 x 1/4 notes) in 1 bar of % time. At a fixed tempo, a % bar is half the length of a * bar.
Many of the examples that follow are written in % time. Rhythmic possibilities are greatly reduced if written in % time rather than * time.
E.g., if there are 16 rhythmic variations in % time, 256 rhythmic variations in * time can be created by joining two bars of % together in all possible combinations. Therefore, by practicing 16 rhythmic variations in % time the technical facility to create 256 patterns in * time has been mastered. This concept can save a great deal of time!
Each of the following 8 examples contain a rhythmic variation for bass drum combined with the following ostinato (repetitive pattern) :
Here are 12 bass drum variations in * time. Each is a combination of two of the previously shown examples. Experiment with your own combinations once these have been mastered.
Here are 6 two bar patterns containing rhythmic variations for bass drum. There are 4096 possible variations using the rhythm figures 3, h, 6, and j 5.
