Saxophone Challenge

Saxophone Rhythm Part II

How do you count rhythms?

We learned a system in middle school that has worked well for me.

In 4/4 time, a whole note would be the word “one” held out for the whole measure.

Two half notes would be the words “one” and then “three” since that is where they each started and each would be held out for two beats.

Quarter notes are stated as “one”, “two”, “three”, “four”

Eighth notes are stated as “one”, “and”, “two”, “and”,  “three”,”and”,  “four”, “and”

Eighth note triplets as, “one” “tee” “ta” “two” “tee” “ta”, etc

Sixteenth notes as, “one” “E” “and” “a” (uh), etc.

Tip – Just counting the rhythms in time allows you to focus on only the rhythm without worrying about the sax.

Mindset Lesson–:

Isolating what you practice with rhythm will improve that piece and transfer over when you pick up your sax again.