Lecture on Timing and Rhythm

Definition of Timing : the choice, judgement, or control of when something should be done. //
a particular point or period of time when something happens.

For me —- Where do you put your notes, and the length of your note. So, your timing is the
ability of how you control where you’re going to put your note, and also how long you want this
note to last. And in different content, likes tempo, meter, style of music. You know where you could
put the note exactly, and how long the note should be last to make the music sounds good.

And also, the timing is common language for every player in the band. In the same period of
time, then you have to finish something. So with the same timing, which allows them to respond
and connect to each others rhythmically.

Definition of rhythm : Rhythm is the arrangement of sounds as they move through time.

Why timing is important to bass player ?

A. Communication : Have good communication with drummer to provide solid foundation for
music. If we are unaccurate, it’s hard for drummer to click with us, and make the magic of
music.
B. Foundation : We make foundation and provide certainty in music. Our notes determine where
is the direction of harmony, so where do we put our note, affects the harmony immediately.

Why Rhythm is important to bass player ?

Actually is important to everyone. But when bass player play certain rhythm, we affect music
mostly.

Timing exercise :

First step : with metronome

A.
1. Put metronome on 20
2. Play with it, one note. You could use scale or apegio
3. Start it to subdivide it from 1 - 20

B.
1. Pick a bassline, any style, latin, funk, groove, walking bass
2. Put the metronome on 60 (some tempo you think is natural)
3. Pause thing
4. “One” is important : (That’s the funk)

C. Using takedimi

1. Clap and dance with it first

2. play the accent of takedimi
3. Arrange the bassline

D. Play along
1. Play the rule (rest in bar 4, start from bar 3)
2. Practicing specific how to end the solo, and go back to comping
3. Play with the record really good

Second step : With different drummer, play with drummer only —- Outer timing
A. Practice the groove only, and take turn to improvise.
B. Pick a standard and walk, but be very clear to let the drummer know where you are.
C. Listen to each others, sometimes rely on drummer, sometimes lead the drummer. Depends on
situation.
D. Try to be push, or try to laid back.
E. Tijs : Drummer put the click and vise versa

Third Step : With horn player only —- Inner timing

A. You’re totally responsible for how the music will be structured. Provide the solid foundation of
where we are, what’s the vibe of the music, and support the horn player.
B. Try to work any kind of style, and still make people want to move or dance in mind
C. Record yourself, then you know which spot you could not put the notes right. Maybe it’s
because of technique.

Daily routine : Listening to music and count with it.

A. Try to listen to complex music and count the one.

B. Understand different style music timing-wise. Swing : triplet feel Funk : 16 feel

Rhythm Exercise

First step : Rhythm reading

A. Motown book : 16th feel (Use takedimi to play it) SHOW THEM THE LENE WEBSITE
B. Rhythm socage book : Bai —- du bop

Second step : Poly rhythm

A. The poly rhythm formula (Still with metronome)
B. Takedimi grouping with hand
C. Patempa : Dance with rhythm, make the rhythm 3D

Third step : Transcribing

A. Max roach Right symbol - hi hat - Snare - Bass drum (put everything on the same voice)
B. Funk and pop - Bass drum
C. Transcribe the rap / Electronic music
D. And of course , Transcribe the baseline you like

Forth step : Create your rhythm (Glen who teach meter 5)

Fifth step : Knowing different style