Sputnik Music Forums - View Single Post - 4/4 swing

Popup-Box · 10-27-2005, 05:30 PM

So swing and shuffle is not the same thing? Well, I'm getting closer, but I'm still not quite 'there'. The worst thing is that I am able to compose swing rhythms.

I've got this composing application on my computer.

The applicatin is based on pages, with rows and columns. One instrument for each column basically. Then, different notes of the different instruments on the rows.

For standard 4/4 I use 64 rows (program default), and I add kickdrum on row 0, while I add a snare, for instance, on row 4. Then kickdrum on 8, snare on 12 etc. All the way, until I have to start over again on another page. I use to add hi-hat/tambourine on rows 0-1-2-3-4... etc or 0-2-4-6-8...etc depending on the feel I want for the track. Now, all this is fine.

Over to the 'problem'. I am quite convinced that this is the method for creating 4/4 swing:
Still using the same application. Edit the rows so you end up using only 48 rows. Place a basskick on 0, as well as on row 3, but a snare on 6. Then basskick on 12, basskick on 15, snare on 18 etc. Then, for the ultimate rhythm atmosphere, include a closed hi-hat in the following pattern: rows: Well, basically you put a closed hi-hat on 0-3-6-9-12-15-18 etc. But except for the hi-hat on row 0; you also add a hi-hat on the beat just BEFORE 3-6-9-12-15-18 etc, making it: 0-2-3-5-6-8-9-11-12... etc etc. Do you see the coherence?

Well I do - for what concerns the application. However, I always fail when trying to apply it when I only sit with my guitar!!

What do you think? I'm very close to understanding it. Maybe it's just me putting too little effort in it. It's late in the night, and I've been listening to music almost all day. I got to have break, and a new go tomorrow. In the meantime maybe someone has provided a few assisting words as well.

More later.

10-27-2005, 05:30 PM	#5
Popup-Box Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 622	Still not quite 'there'...but coming closer. So swing and shuffle is not the same thing? Well, I'm getting closer, but I'm still not quite 'there'. The worst thing is that I am able to compose swing rhythms. I've got this composing application on my computer. The applicatin is based on pages, with rows and columns. One instrument for each column basically. Then, different notes of the different instruments on the rows. For standard 4/4 I use 64 rows (program default), and I add kickdrum on row 0, while I add a snare, for instance, on row 4. Then kickdrum on 8, snare on 12 etc. All the way, until I have to start over again on another page. I use to add hi-hat/tambourine on rows 0-1-2-3-4... etc or 0-2-4-6-8...etc depending on the feel I want for the track. Now, all this is fine. Over to the 'problem'. I am quite convinced that this is the method for creating 4/4 swing: Still using the same application. Edit the rows so you end up using only 48 rows. Place a basskick on 0, as well as on row 3, but a snare on 6. Then basskick on 12, basskick on 15, snare on 18 etc. Then, for the ultimate rhythm atmosphere, include a closed hi-hat in the following pattern: rows: Well, basically you put a closed hi-hat on 0-3-6-9-12-15-18 etc. But except for the hi-hat on row 0; you also add a hi-hat on the beat just BEFORE 3-6-9-12-15-18 etc, making it: 0-2-3-5-6-8-9-11-12... etc etc. Do you see the coherence? Well I do - for what concerns the application. However, I always fail when trying to apply it when I only sit with my guitar!! What do you think? I'm very close to understanding it. Maybe it's just me putting too little effort in it. It's late in the night, and I've been listening to music almost all day. I got to have break, and a new go tomorrow. In the meantime maybe someone has provided a few assisting words as well. More later.