The Elements of Rhythm, Vols. I & II, by David Aldridge, introduces the subject of binary rhythm pattern theory to systematically explore the origin of fundamental rhythm patterns. The series addresses the gap found in traditional music theory education by presenting the complete list of building block patterns that all larger, more complex combinations are derived from. Volume I uses simple binary logic (0,1) to generate the fundamental rhythm patterns, which are then re-written using conventional music notation and are printed on single music lines for practice and mastery. Additionally, they are categorized using a first-of-its-kind, binary indexing system.
Volume II presents all of the fundamental patterns from Volume I in multi-music stave formats, allowing readers to see multiple time signature variations of the “absolute sound shapes.” For example, patterns in 4/4 are simultaneously presented in 4/2, 4/8, 4/16, and 4/32. A comprehensive list of counting syllables is included for each group of patterns, further demonstrating the relative ways to count “same sounding” patterns. Using both volumes, a drummer’s rhythmic vocabulary can be expanded far beyond most traditional approaches, including applications of polyrhythms and advanced mental practice techniques.
eBook | 173 Pages
