- “He’s Got the Whole World,” Gospel song
In the first example, ties are used to show the quarter note subdivision into eighth notes.
The second example does notuse ties. Although both examples will sound the same and either notation is
correct, using ties as in the example above may make it easier to see the main beat.
Western Classical composers also used syncopated rhythms, although not as extensively as jazz and blues
musicians.
- Fugue in D minor, BWV 875 (J.S. Bach)
In the first example, ties are notused.
In the second example below, the composer’s original notation of the syncopated quarter note rhythms is
changed to pairs of tied eighth notes. Complete the counts below each example and tap the rhythms; both
examples should sound the same. Which notation is easier for you to read?
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RHYTHM: SIMPLE METER EXPANDEDCounts: + 4 a 1 (2) 3 + (4)
Count:
Counts: + 4 a 1 (2) 3 + (4)
Count:
Count: Count: 1 + 2 + 3 + (4) +1 + 2 + 3 + (4) +