Identifying Eighth Note Rhythms
It is important to be able to identify the position of each note in the bar. The notes off the beat are named according to the beats they follow. Within a bar of continuous eighth notes in * time, there are eight possible places where notes could occur.
The first beat is called one (1), the next eighth note is called the "and of one", then comes beat two, the next eighth note is called the "and of two", then beat three, followed by the "and of three", then beat four, followed by the "and of four" which is the final eighth note in the bar. These positions are shown in the notation that follows.
If you are having trouble with the timing of a rhythm, use this method to identify where the notes occur in relation to each beat, and then count them slowly until you have memorized the rhythm. Try it out on the rhythms in the following song and then sing along with the recording. Minor keys are discussed in Lesson 15.
The following traditional Caribbean song makes much use of syncopated rhythms. It is written here in the key of D major, which suited both our female and male singers. The difference is that they are singing it in different octaves. You will also notice slight differences in timing and phrasing between the two versions. This is a natural part of each singer’s personal expression. Phrasing, interpretation and improvisation are dealt with in Lesson 21.
Once you have learned the song, you could try singing it in several other keys until you find the most comfortable key for your voice. The key note (do) in this case is the final note of the song (a D note). To sing this in another key (e.g., key of F) play and sustain an F note on a keyboard or guitar while you sing the final phrase of the song. Check to see that your voice is finishing on the note F along with the instrument. Then sing the whole song in that key. Try keys which are both higher and lower than D by a small distance at first.
It is a good idea to try every song you know in several keys until you find the most comfortable key for your voice. Then you can instantly tell the musicians who accompany you which key you prefer to sing the song in. This will always be appreciated and can save a lot of time at rehearsals.
- Sounds of laughter everywhere,
- And the dancing girls sway, to and fro,
- I must declare my heart is there,
- Though I’ve been from Maine to Mexico, but I’m
- Sad to say, I’m on my way, etc.
- Down at the markets, you can hear,
- Ladies cry out, while on their heads they bear,
- Ackie rice, salt fish are nice,
- And the rum is fine any time of year, but I’m
- Sad to say, I’m on my way, etc.
