Jazz Rhythms: Book One is a comprehensive collection of rhythm studies designed to sharpen your timing, deepen your internal pulse, and expand your rhythmic vocabulary in a jazz context. This book was created using algorithmic code to generate every possible combination of core rhythmic building blocks. The result is a structured, exhaustive, and creative resource for rhythmic fluency.
What’s Inside
The book is divided into six parts, grouped by time signature and rhythmic vocabulary:
Parts I – III: 4/4 Rhythms
Part I (Page 1) 256 two-measure permutations of quarter notes/rests in 4/4
Part II (Page 10) 256 one-measure permutations of quarter notes/rests, and eighth notes/rests
Part III (Page 17) 4096 one-measure permutations, including the above, plus eighth note triplets/rests
Parts IV – VI: 3/4 Rhythms
Part IV (Page 97) 64 two-measure permutations of quarter notes/rests in 3/4
Part V (Page 99) 64 one-measure permutations of quarter notes/rests, and eighth notes/rests in 3/4
Part VI (Page 101) 512 one-measure permutations, including the above, plus eighth note triplets/rests in 3/4
Mapping the Rhythms to Melodies & Chords
Each rhythmic pattern occupies one or two measures, with every possible combination represented. The patterns are notated as snare drum rhythms—using a single pitch (“C5”)—but they are, of course, not limited to percussion and can be mapped to notes or chords, making them a valuable source of inspiration for melodic improvisation and comping practice.
Swing Interpretation
Though the permutations include pairs of “straight” eighth notes/eighth rests, this is a jazz rhythm book—so there’s an essential interpretive convention to observe! All notated “straight” eighth notes/rests pairs should be “swung”. That is, they should be interpreted as the first and third notes of an underlying triplet.
How to Use This Book
Practice with a Swing Feel: Remember, all pairs of “straight” eighth notes/rests should be played with a “swing” interpretation.
Loop and Repeat: Each pattern should be repeated multiple times to help develop rhythmic consistency and feel.
Clap, Tap, or Vocalize: Use body percussion or rhythm syllables to internalize patterns before playing them.
Map to Pitches: Once comfortable, assign the rhythms to scales, arpeggios, licks, and chords.
Improvise With “Iso-Rhythms”: Use these rhythms as a launchpad for melodic or harmonic improvisation, maintaining the original rhythmic structure.
Warm-Up or Diagnose: These patterns can serve as a daily warm-up or as diagnostic tools to isolate and improve specific rhythmic challenges.
Tip: Track Your Progress: Place a simple tick mark next to each rhythm you’ve practiced; this helps you remember which patterns you’ve already explored and allows you to move through the book in a non-linear, randomized fashion, keeping your practice fresh while gradually working toward covering the entire collection.
Creative Practicing
Whether you’re a drummer, other instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, or improviser, Jazz Rhythms: Book One offers a deep well of material to enrich your rhythmic vocabulary and refine your swing feel. As you internalize the patterns, your musical mind will become more elastic, and your improvisational and compositional voice more rhythmically nuanced. Be imaginative in your practice, explore freely, and marvel at the infinitude of rhythmic possibilities!
dancosley.com 