We will start with the most basic aspect of rhythm: the beat
The beat is the foundation of rhythm. It is the steady repeating pulse in music.
Click on the audio example below to hear a demonstration of the beat in music (you must have Adobe Flash Player to hear it). The beat will be played by a percussion instrument called the woodblock. The woodblock will play four beats and then the music example will begin. The woodblock will continue to play on every beat during the example. To feel the beat, tap your foot or clap your hands along with the woodblock.
To test your sense of the beat, play this fun, interactive exercise below. Click the orange Interactive Play button to start. You will hear four beats played on the woodblock, and when the music starts, click the blue RhythmBot button on every beat. If you are too early or too late, RhythmBot will let you know. The music you hear is exactly the same as the above example.
