This is one of my most favorite musical subjects!
You’ve most likely heard, or read, me saying that the number one, most important aspect of music is definitely the rhythm… (see “Mary & the Rhythm Kings“ story)… so logically, the most basic element of rhythm is “the beat”… right?
It seems obvious to anyone who has ever tapped their toe to music*… but I have fun asking this question at Fiddle Jam Clinics.
“So, what exactly IS a beat anyways?…” It seems like such a simple question… but can you clearly answer it?
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Hi geoff,@ Jim Heiser has asked me several times what is a beat. I have tried to explain it, and like you, have been unsuccessful. I smiled when I read this article which made me feel a lot better. I compare a beat to the pulse of a heart. I also think explaining how a person walks may explain it. The step or the foot hitting the ground is the beat and if they walk fast or slow,that is the tempo. But obviously, that doesn’t really explain what is the beat. Thanks for your articles and all the information you have put on this site. Patsy