Konokol method: Rhythm, Counting & Syncopation

Regarding improving your rhythm, the following is the Konokol method for practicing music without playing an instrument. One can practice thinking and coordinating rhythmic subdivisions in music.

Try this:

First you need to keep time. Here's a 4/4 that has a common 4 times crotchet count:
1. For beat 1, simply clap
2. For beat 2, clap with the little finger of your right-hand (if you are right-handed) against your opposite palm
3. For beat 3, clap with your ring finger of the same hand
4.  For beat four, clap in the same manner with your middle finger.

Pick a steady tempo, and as you clap each beat say 'Da' (or '1')
 I.e.,
Da
Da
Da
Da

To sub-divide into quavers (sub-dividing into halves) say Ta-ka (or '2'). Here as you clap, say 'ta', then in the exact middle of the space before the next beat say 'ka'. You have 4 taka's in one 4/4 bar.

I.e.,
Ta-ka
Ta-ka
Ta-ka
Ta-ka

To sub-divide into triplet quavers (sub-dividing the crotchet count into thirds or 12ths of one bar) say 'Ta-ki-ta'. Here as you clap, say 'ta',then in two equal spaces before the next beat say 'ki-ta'. You have 4 takita's in one 4/4 bar.
 I.e.,
Ta-ki-ta
Ta-ki-ta
Ta-ki-ta
Ta-ki-ta

For semi-quavers (sub-dividing the crotchet count into fourths or 16ths of one bar) say 'Ta-ka-dim-i'. Here as you clap, say 'ta',then in three equal spaces before the next beat say 'ka-dim-i'. You have 4 takadimi's in one 4/4 bar.
I.e.,
Ta-ka-dim-i
Ta-ka-dim-i
Ta-ka-dim-i
Ta-ka-dim-i

To achieve triplet semi-quavers (sub-dividing the crotchet count into sixths or 24ths of one bar) say 'Ta-ka-dim-i, Ta-ka-Jun-a'. Here as you clap, say 'ta',then in five equal spaces before the next beat say 'ka-dim-i', plus a further 'ta-ka', start the next cycle of six accenting 'Jun-a' adding a further 'Ta-ka-dim-i', carrying on noting the six counts against the 8's of the Ta-k-dim-i Ta-k-Jun-a' cycle. You have 3 takadimi takajuna's in one 4/4 bar.

I.e.,
>
Ta- ka -dim -i Ta -ka


>

Jun-a Ta -ka -dim -i


>         

Ta -ka -Jun -a Ta -ka


>
dim -i ta -ka jun-a


To achieve demi-semi-quavers (sub-dividing the crotchet count into eighths or 32nds of one bar) say 'Ta-ka-dim-i Ta-ka-Jun-a'. Here as you clap, say 'ta',then in seven equal spaces before the next beat say 'ki-dim-i Ta-ka-Jun-a'. You have 4 takadimi takajuna's in one 4/4 bar.

I.e.,
>                  >        >
Ta-ka-dim-i Ta-ka-Jun-a   


>                  >        >
Ta-ka-dim-i Ta-ka-Jun-a


>                  >        >
Ta-ka-dim-i Ta-ka-Jun-a


>                  >        >
Ta-ka-dim-i Ta-ka-Jun-a

For further training I suggest purchasing this excellent Konokol teaching DVD: A Gateway To Rhythm

Dale Harris, August 2011

Dale Harris Plays Godin Guitars

English guitarist Dale Harris has proudly featured his Godin Multiac Grand Concert Nylon SA guitar in his classical-fusion inspired performances for several years. Dale has recently acquired a Grand Concert Duet Ambiance model. 

Dale Harris with his Grand Concert Guitars by Godin

 Pictured here with both his Godin Grand Concert instruments, Dale says, "Godin have empowered guitarists of all styles by eliminating the problems in amplifying the guitar and especially the nylon string instrument. They simply plug-in and go with no messing around! Godin guitars produce an inspiring and beautiful sound with an extraordinary array of tonal variations and I would be entirely lost without them." Dale will be playing his Godin guitars at Guitar Fest UK in Bracknell on April 30^th. 

Visit Dale on www.dale-harris.co.uk

Grand Concert Duet Ambiance Nylon Strung Classical Guitar: Listen To Dale Harris Playing Godin Ambiance Guitars, MP3 Music Recording

Godin: Grand Concert 'Ambiance' Guitar

I am very pleased to announce that I will be playing a newly aquired Godin's fantastic Grand Concert 'Ambiance' guitar this year onwards. I love the plugged-in tone of the Godin Ambiance and the variety of blended sounds that it provides thanks to the dual pick-up system. I am also very relieved that this guitar yet again removes yet more of the barriers in the amplification of the Spanish guitar. The added bonus is that you get excellent playability from the ebony fretboard and all at a great price (roughly a third or more of a handmade concert classical).

If you are in the UK, I will be playing the Godin guitars at the Guitar Fest (South Hill Park, Bracknell) on Saturday 30th April (also the amazing Antonio Forcione will be performing there).

You can find out more about Godin Guitars at their website, www.godinguitars.com.

Dale Harris: published works for solo guitar

Dale Harris transcriptions and compositions are published in PDF on-line at www.load.cd