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14.5 · Dividing the Beat

Read a bar

Reading a whole bar works the same way every time: find the beats, then say the counting. Numbers on the beats, "&" on the splits, parentheses where nothing new sounds. Four hi-hat ticks count you in on every demo.

See it, say it, hear it

For each bar: read the symbols, say the counting out loud, predict the claps. Then play it and check yourself.

1 2 & 3 4
1 (2) 3 4
1 (2) 3 4
1 (2) & 3 4

A hold or a hole?

Claps can't tell these two bars apart. A held note and a note-plus-rest sound identical when every hit is a clap. The notation is the only witness.

1 2 3 (4). Held1 2 3 (4). Rested
same claps. Different spelling

Quiz · Hear it, pick the bar

1 / 3

Which bar did you hear?

Listen first. Then answer.
Score 100% on every quiz and game to complete this lesson.Name that rhythm →