Common 16th Note Rhythms
Sixteenth notes are commonly used within a beat in conjunction with eighth notes. The following examples demonstrate the A form of the Blues scales of F and D using common rhythm figures. Practice all your scales and arpeggios using these rhythms.
Here is a lick which makes use of the two rhythms you have just learned.
Here are four more important 16th note rhythms. Practice each one on one note as shown in the following example and then use them to play arpeggios and scales. When you are confident with each rhythm, try improvising with it. The first one contains a dotted eighth note. Remember that a dot increases the value of a note by half, so the dotted eighth note is worth three quarters of a beat.
This one contains two sixteenth notes and an eighth note. You may find these rhythms difficult at first but they are all important, so stick with it. Use a metronome as you practice them and count out loud as you play. If you are tapping your foot, make sure it taps only on each beat and not in between.
The next two rhythms involve the use of sixteenth note rests. Once again take them slowly at first, count out loud and use a metronome.
