Swing

What the heck is "Swing"?

Published: 15 Jun 2022 Updated: 20 Dec 2022Visits: 0Code: UL-Swing-01

Category: RhythmInstrument: Any Subjects: Rhythm

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Swing


Just what is "Swing". This lesson will have you playing Traditional Swing, Hard Swing. As well as how it applies to various styles.

Swing, Shuffle, Boogie Woogie,...

In music, the term swing has two main uses. Colloquially, it is used to describe the propulsive quality or feel of a rhythm, especially when the music prompts a visceral response such as foot-tapping or head-nodding. This sense can also be called groove. It is also known as shuffle.

And really, it's just Rhythm, a rhythmic pattern applied to various styles.

Swing is an interpretation of the traditional even eight notes involving alternately lengthening and shortening the first and second consecutive notes.

Even Quarter Notes

To discuss what type of notes can be sung. We need to cover what type of notes can not be swung.

Quarter notes can not be Swung.

Even Quarter Notes — Level I Modular Phonetic Rhythm

So basically you can not swing the downbeat.

Even Eight Notes

Each eight of a pair are given equal time (length).

Even Eight Notes — Level II Modular Phonetic Rhythm

Traditional Swing Eight Notes

Written

Played

Traditional Swing Eight Notes — Level III Modular Phonetic Rhythm

Hard Swing Eight Notes

Written

Played

Hard Swing Eight Notes — Level III Modular Phonetic Rhythm

Level II Modular Phonetic Rhythm Syllables

Level II Modular Phonetic Rhythm Syllables are where the beat is sub-divided in two and is the beat sub-division that can be swung.

Written

Level IIS Modular Phonetic Rhythmic Syllables

Played

Level IIS Modular Phonetic Rhythmic Syllables with Count

Summary

That is Swing, both Traditional Swing and Hard Swing. It all comes down the simplifying counting to learn the sound of and rhythmic figure/pattern.

It's possible to have other subdivision of 3 into 2. However the Traditional Swing and Hard Swing versions are the most common.

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End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!

Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.

Related Lessons

Related Lessons for Swing.

UL126-UKESTRUM1-Shuffle

Shuffle Strum

Updated: 21 Mar 2020

The Shuffle Strum has applicaitons in Blues, Jazz, and Country.

Related Lesson Series

Related Lessons Series for Swing.

Modular Phonetic Rhythm by Chuck Anderson

Updated: 01 Jan 2003

Modular Phonetic Rhythm represents a significant advance in the teaching and application of rhythm. Eliminating many inefficient aspects of rhythm education, Modular Phonetic Rhythm streamlines the traditional educational approach, resulting in a reflexive reaction to rhythm.

Related Songs

Related Songs for Swing.

ANYSONG

Any Song Will Do

Updated: 07 Dec 2015

This is not really a song, but simply saying that for the purposes of a lot of the lessons and lesson series on this site ANY song will do for exploring the lesson's material and concepts presented in the lesson.

Related Books & Charts

Related Books for Swing.

MPRS-FW1

Modular Phonetic Rhythm, The Foundation and Workbook 1

Updated: 08 Dec 2021

Modular Phonetic Rhythm represents a significant advance in the teaching and application of rhythm. Eliminating many inefficient aspects of rhythm education, Modular Phonetic Rhythm streamlines the traditional educational approach, resulting in a reflexive reaction to rhythm.

A Selection of Books & Reference Charts that are recommended for creating a solid foundation with your chosen instrument and music in general.

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard – C Tuning

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the fingerboard.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering

Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics.

Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition.

Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer

Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think.

Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

An organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player for developing the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing.

Checkout the Books for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

Reference Charts

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G - G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G – G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Key Signatures — Circle of Fourths and Fifths – ANSI A & A4 sizes

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A), A4

Checkout the Books for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

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