Sixteenth Notes
This is a sixteenth note. It lasts for one quarter of a beat. There are four sixteenth notes in one beat. There are 16 sixteenth notes in one bar of * time.
Tap your foot on each beat and count mentally as you play.
Now try this example which contains sixteenth notes moving between two different notes.
Sixteenth notes are great for playing train rhythms, as demonstrated in the following example. Take this one slowly at first and tap your foot on each beat to help you keep time.
Often in songs you will find two sixteenth notes grouped together with an eighth note as demonstrated in this example. All of the following rhythms should be memorized.
Here are two more common rhythm figures involving the use of sixteenth notes.
One of the ways these rhythms can be used is to imitate horn section parts, particularly when playing R&B and Funk.
Here is another lick making use of sixteenth notes. This one also features a trill and a slide.
To finish this lesson, here is a solo which is based on sixteenth notes. Take your time with this one, as it may be difficult at first. As suggested earlier, clap any rhythms you have trouble with while counting out loud and tapping your foot on each beat.
