Published:
2022-06-15
Updated:
2022-12-20
Learning Ukulele with Curt
Swing
Just what is "Swing". This lesson will have you playing Traditional Swing, Hard Swing. As well as how it applies to various styles.
Author(s): Curt Sheller Publisher: Curt Sheller Publications Code: UL-Swing-01
Main Category: Rhythm Main Instrument: Any
Categories: Chords
2026-08-23
RelatedLessonAssets
Just what is "Swing". This lesson will have you playing Traditional Swing, Hard Swing. As well as how it applies to various styles.
Swing, Shuffle, Boogie Woogie,...
In music, the term swing has two main uses. Colloquially, it is used to describe the propulsive quality or feel
of a rhythm, especially when the music prompts a visceral response such as foot-tapping or head-nodding. This sense can also be called groove. It is also known as shuffle
.
And really, it's just Rhythm, a rhythmic pattern applied to various styles.
Swing is an interpretation of the traditional even eight notes involving alternately lengthening and shortening the first and second consecutive notes.
Even Quarter Notes
To discuss what type of notes can be sung. We need to cover what type of notes can not be swung.
Quarter notes can not be Swung
.
Even Quarter Notes — Level I Modular Phonetic Rhythm
So basically you can not swing the downbeat.
Even Eight Notes
Each eight of a pair are given equal time (length).
Even Eight Notes — Level II Modular Phonetic Rhythm
Traditional Swing Eight Notes
Written
Played
Traditional Swing Eight Notes — Level III Modular Phonetic Rhythm
Hard
Swing Eight Notes
Written
Played
Hard
Swing Eight Notes — Level III Modular Phonetic Rhythm
Level II Modular Phonetic Rhythm Syllables
Level II Modular Phonetic Rhythm Syllables are where the beat is sub-divided in two and is the beat sub-division that can be swung.
Written
Level IIS Modular Phonetic Rhythmic Syllables
Played
Level IIS Modular Phonetic Rhythmic Syllables with Count
Summary
That is Swing
, both Traditional Swing and Hard Swing. It all comes down the simplifying counting to learn the sound of and rhythmic figure/pattern.
It's possible to have other subdivision of 3 into 2. However the Traditional Swing and Hard Swing versions are the most common.
End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!
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