UPDATED
11 Mar 2022
The Often Neglected and Taken For Granted Subject of Rhythm
Published: 04 Jan 2022 Updated: 11 Mar 2022 • Visits: 38 • Code: UW-RHYTHM
Category: Rhythm Instrument: Music Subjects(s):
Share Rhythm, Avoid at Your Own Peril
on:
Bluesky
•
facebook
•
twitter (X)
The often neglected and taken for granted subject of Rhythm. Music is Melody, Harmony, and Rhythm. We are drawn, initially to music by melody at a very early age, with the instrument of our voice. With ukulele you typically learn chords - the harmony and never really dive into learning rhythm. Unless you're a drummer we take rhythm for granted.
Rhythm has traditionally been taught as a function of math, particularly fractions. Though accurate, this approach has missed one of the most fundamental facts of rhythm. Rhythm is a language and is, as such, phonetic not mathematical. The average student exposed to the math orientation of rhythm has rarely absorbed the essence of rhythm and rarely even becomes proficient at reading rhythm. This often becomes a lifetime barrier to the developing musician.
In this s workshop we'll learn rhythm, just as we learned how to talk. No more counting beats.
There is a strong correlation between the ability to spell and strong fundamentals in phonics. Phonetic skills allow us to “sound out” words, even words that we’ve never seen before! We understand the principle of sound as it applies to phonetic combinations. The "sight" of the letter combination triggers a reflexive "sound"; reaction. If rhythm could be broken down into phonetic units, then rhythm would become an easily recognized aural language.
This workshop covers:
- The core four levels of how any give beat can be subdivided. And the Rhythmic Syllables that are created.
- Apply this the strumming and fingerpicking on the ukulele.
- Learn just what the famous jazz trumpeter meant when he said he
Thinks in rhythm.
Video(s)
All Videos For This Workshop Are Now Available For Viewing
If you missed the original presentation of the workshop you can still purchase the workshop and have access to the downloads and workshop videos.
The videos for the Rhythm, Avoid at Your Own Peril workshop held Thursday, March 6, 13, 20 @ 8PM EST (2000 -5UTC) are now available.
*NOTE: If you missed the live presentation of this workshop Premium GOLD Site Member can view the recorded workshop and access to downloads.
Workshop handout(s) , are only available to members that have registered to attended, have attended this workshop, or purchased the workshop after the initial live presentation.
End of Workshop - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!
Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.
Rhythm, Avoid at Your Own Peril.
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.
Rhythm, Avoid at Your Own Peril.

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.

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the ukulele fingerboard in C tuning .

Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics. Book: Six Secrets of the Ukulele Fingering

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. Book: Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think. Book: Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer

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. Book: Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele
Checkout the Books & Reference Charts for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

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

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 & Reference Charts for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.