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Year 9 - Music

Adding rhythmic variation to ground bass

Harmonic progressions and bass lines

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils extend their understanding of harmonic progressions, learning about ground bass and triadic harmony.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to identify different rhythmic values and am able to apply these to a ground bass.

Key Notes

  • The tresillo rhythm is a syncopated three-note pattern stretched across four beats (often called 3-3-2 pattern).
  • The habanera rhythm is a two beat rhythm that is similar to the tresillo in that the second note is syncopated.
  • The tresillo and habanera contain dotted notes, which is a type of note worth 1.5 times the value of the original note.
  • Adapting a ground bass by using either the tresillo or habanera to add rhythmic interest.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • semibreve: also known as a whole note, this is worth four beats
  • semiquaver: also known as a sixteenth note, this is worth 1/4 of a beat
  • dotted note: this type of note is worth 1.5 times the value of the original value
  • tresillo: a syncopated three-note rhythmic pattern stretched across four beats (often called 3-3-2 pattern)
  • habanera: a two beat rhythm that uses dotted notes and an accented upbeat

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • One iteration of the tresillo and habanera has to last for two beats.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

The tresillo rhythm is a syncopated three-note pattern stretched across four beats (often called 3-3-2 pattern). The habanera rhythm is a two beat rhythm that is similar to the tresillo in that the second note is syncopated.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'semibreve'

also known as a whole note, this is worth four beats.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: One iteration of the tresillo and habanera has to last for two beats. Correction: The tresillo and habanera can be played in 2/4 or 4/4. The important thing is the relationship of the notes to each other. Practise clapping the rhythms twice as fast or slow to the same beat to help pupils grasp this concept.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 9 Music guide library.