Cougar WebWorks 
3/4 or 6/8?
When you play the pattern G - g d g d, there are six notes, with an obvious emphasis on the one. But in traditional western
_______ _______ _______
| | | | | | | | | | | | 3/4
G - g d g d G - g d g d
Click
for sound:
RealAudio - Track2-14
or
_____ _____ _____ _____
| | | | | | | | | | | | 6/8
G - g d g d G - g d g d
Click
for sound:
RealAudio - Track2-15
The problem is, which way do you go? On that razor-edged mountain ridge, you have to fall off one way or another.
Why, I ask, can’t it be played in the middle? No emphasis either way, but the notes played steadily, equal in emphasis? If this happens, the effect can be dizzying, as the pull of gravity comes from one side and the other. The winds swirl hard up there, yet with a steadiness of nerve and hand, the balance can be walked in still neutrality. Let the other instruments or drums fall where they may. Divided is good.
Try:
_______ _______ _______
| | | | | | | | | | | | 3/4
G - g d g d P - g T - d
with
_____ _____ _____ _____
| | | | | | | | | | | | 6/8
G - G T g d G - G T g d
while
keeping
G - g d g d
Click
for sound:
RealAudio - Track2-16
in the middle...
Return to Top
Go to Rhythms
of the Week, Page One
Go to Rhythms
of the Week, Lesson Two
Go to Rhythms
of the Week, Lesson Three
Go to Rhythms of the Week, Lesson Four
Go to Rhythms
of the Week, Lesson Five
Go
to Rhythms of the Week, Lesson Six
Go
to Rhythms of the Week, Lesson Eight
Go
to Rhythms of the Week, Lesson Nine
See lots more rhythm notation and drum lessons in my Roots Jam rhythm books, with optional audio files (CD or mp3). And read my latest tips and insights about drumming: African Drumming Blog. Learn from my early learning experiences as a hand drummer, with the free ebook, Friday Night Jam.
