Rhythm, time signature and tempo

In short: Rhythm is the arrangement of notes in time. The bar groups beats into recurring units; tempo determines how fast the beats go (in BPM, beats per minute).

In more detail: The time signature stands as a fraction at the start. 4/4 means four quarter-note beats per bar, 3/4 three (waltz).

In detail

• Accent: In 4/4 beat 1 is strongest, beat 3 somewhat, 2 and 4 weak.
• Syncopation: Emphasis on normally unstressed beats, typical of jazz and pop.
• Tempo markings: Largo (slow), Andante (walking), Allegro (fast), Presto (very fast).
• Metronome: A device giving steady beats helps with practice.
• Dotted notes: The dot lengthens the note by half.
• Triplets: Three notes in the space of two.
• Heartbeat and music: Calm music is at about 60–80 BPM (noten-lesen-grundlagen).