Chords: Rhythm The rhythms that chordal instrument play can be broken into four categories: pads, punches, ostinatos, and riffs. Rhythms from each category can exist at the same time in a song as long as the range, amount of voices in a chord, and volume is different between the instruments playing them. Pads and Punches Pads and punches usually use all of the voices of the chord at the same time. Pads are chords that have a long duration. The attack of a pad can occur at the same time as the kick, and the release can happen at the same time as a kick or snare. Pads are frequently played at the start of a chord and end when the chord changes.

Full Measure Pad Full Measure Pad With Snare Release 1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a 1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a X X A punch is a chordal rhythm with a short duration. Punches generally are at the same time as snare attacks, but they can also happen at the same time as the kick. Punches can also have no link to the drum beat and, by doing so, add more overall rhythmic interest to a song. A guitar playing with the snare on beats two and four is a classic example of a punch. One instrument can play both pads and punches or the roles can be shared between more than one instrument.

Backbeat Punches Pads and Punches 1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a 1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a X X X X X Ostinato An ostinato is a one to two measure repeated rhythmic figure that is usually quieter in the mix. One or more voices of the chord can be used in an ostinato to create sparse or dense textures. Below are examples of ostinato patterns that use two voices in a chord.

3-2 Clave 16th Note Power Chords 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a Top Voice X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Middle Voice X X X X X X Bottom Voice X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Riff A riff is a two to four measure repeated rhythmic figure that is usually louder in the mix. One or more voices of the chord are used with syncopation, repetition, and space to create melodic sounding phrases. The riff below is four measures long and has a repetition pattern of ABAC.

Four Measure Three Voice Riff 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + Top Voice X X X X X X Middle Voice X X X X X X X X Bottom Voice X X X X X X ©shedthemusic.com