What is Rhythm?
The powerful concept of opportunity
The first thing that comes to people’s mind when you mention rhythm is music. We often talk of people having ‘great rhythm’ or commenting on a song having a ‘nice rhythm to it’. But, what are people actually talking about? It’s one of those things that everyone understands, yet would find it very difficult to describe. And, when asked what the ingredients of rhythm are most would struggle to give a concise answer.
A music teacher I spoke to on the subject was able to give me an educated answer:
Rhythm is a succession of strong and weak elements. What a wonderfully simple yet in-depth starting point. The word ‘succession’ speaks of ongoing and repeatable nature of rhythm. The mention of strong and weak elements speaks to the inclusion of ups and downs. Of loud and quiet. Hard and soft. Sharp and dull. This tells us that rhythm is not one-paced. It requires opposites and counterbalances. Something in rhythm can not be high, fast, or strong all the time. A good thought to remember when thinking about performance.
Rhythm requires timing with accuracy on a regular beat. There is no point hitting the right note if the note is played at the wrong time. Timing is essential and must be overlayed with accuracy. Not just once, but on a regular basis. Having a sense of what needs to be done at a specific time is crucial to harvesting rhythm. It is a precision pattern of movement.
Rhythm is the synchronisation with an ensemble. It is not only a drummer that requires rhythm but everyone in a band. Everyone needs to be playing to the same tune. Everyone must rely on each other to hit the right note at the same tempo as themselves. If there is no synchronisation it is a mess. There is no time to talk and discuss if a beat will be hit or if the other person will hit the key. It just needs to happen. At the moment a guitarist strums their strings the ivory keys need to be hit by the piano player. A micro-second early or late upsets the whole performance. Playing to your own tune, tempo, and pitch throws others out of rhythm and in turn, will throw you out of rhythm.
My new book, coming out in the next few weeks explores the use of Rhythm for Leaders to create a high performing culture. Find out more here www.therhythmeffect.com
Rhythm is a pathway to doing whatever we are doing well. Really well. It allows us to relax into our situation and perform with clarity and calm. Rhythm is our friend when trying to sync with others around us. A powerful concept we can all use, and helps us drive better results, more meaningful impact, and more enjoyment in our work without needing to push hard all day every day.
