Sixteenth Notes and Ties
You already know how to interpret rhythms using ties with whole, half, quarter and eighth notes. Sixteenth note rhythms involving ties can be difficult to play at first, so it is worth practicing them on one note until you have control of them.
In the following example there are several ties between the last of a group of four sixteenth notes (the "a" count) and the note on the next beat. Count and clap the rhythm several times until you understand it, and then play the example.
Here is a solo making use of ties in this manner. The same rhythm repeats several times, so once you have control of it in the first line, the rest should be easy. This solo has a minor key sound and is played in third position which is the subject of lesson 20.
Another common rhythm figure is a sixteenth note followed by an eighth note and then another sixteenth, as shown in bar two of the following example.
One of the ways these rhythms can be used is to imitate horn section parts, particularly when playing R&B and Funk.
Here is another lick making use of sixteenth notes. This one also features a trill and a slide.
This one features sixteenth rests in bar 2. Clap the rhythm and then practice it on one note at first if you have trouble with it.
To finish this lesson, here is a solo which is based on sixteenth notes. Take your time with this one, as it may be difficult at first. Listen to the CD to hear the timing and all the expressions. As suggested earlier, clap any rhythms you have trouble with while counting out loud and tapping your foot on each beat. Once again the harp has been omitted on the repeat so you can play the whole solo with the band.
