technical resources on rhythm?

Jim Nielson
Tue, 13 Jan 1998 14:46:02 -0500


I used to toy with the idea of being a composer and I took a few music
theory courses when I was at university, so I know something about
traditional Western music.

Now I've bought a little 4-track recorder and I have Cakewalk for Windows
to do midi programming with and a lowend Yamaha keyboard and a mike, etc.
and I'd like to play around with some music again.

My problem, to make a short story long, is that I don't really know
anything about the theory of rhythm and percussion. I realize you don't get
a hip beat by using algebra, but I'd be interested in any web-based,
software-based, or hardcopy resources anyone knows about that would help me
get up to speed on various kinds of rhythms and beats and what "defines"
them, if I may put it that way. Like typical drum patterns in salsa or
metronome settings for a rhumba or whatever. Definitions of breakbeats,
defining characteristics of samba, samples or settings for hard bop drum
technique, whatever. I'm a complete beginner at the theory of drums'n'bass:
are there places I could begin, or would you recommend I just experiment
around till I find beats I like and not worry about what they are?

This may seem like a naive question--I remember a similar one that started
a thread about tempos to use as a DJ where everyone said "man, use your
ears and your boodie, not your brain"--but I'd still be curious to know
what technical resources are available out there.

Thanks in advance for keeping the flames low ,-)

jimX

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