Sixteenth Note Figures
Sixteenth notes are commonly used within a beat in conjunction with eighth notes. The following examples demonstrate two of the most common rhythmic figures.
This traditional folk melody makes use of both of the previous rhythm examples. Take it slowly at first until you have control of both the notes and the articulations. When you are comfortable playing it at a reasonable tempo, try increasing it slightly.
Dotted Eighth Notes
Another common sixteenth note timing is when a sixteenth note is played after a dotted eighth note.
The dot placed after the eighth note lengthens the note by half its value. The dotted eighth note is equivalent in duration to three sixteenth notes.
The Two Four Time Signature
The % time signature tells you that there are only two quarter note beats in one bar. The only difference between % and * is that in % time there are twice as many bar lines.
This song is in % time and features the use of dotted eighth notes. Take it slowly until you have control of all the rhythms and then gradually increase the tempo. Once again, feel free to experiment with different articulations when playing this melody.
