Ethan Teaches You Music Podcast It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing
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Apr 26, 2025 Discover the emotional essence of swing in American music and its intriguing complexities. Explore how rhythms vary across genres, from classical to jazz, and delve into the unique styles of artists like John Coltrane and J Dilla. Learn about the importance of microtiming and how it affects groove, along with tips for musicians to master swing nuances. Catch a glimpse of various famous tracks and how their rhythmic structures contribute to their timeless appeal. Get ready to rethink your understanding of music's heartbeat!
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Swing Is Felt, Not Explained
- Swing is essential in American music but hard to explain and mostly learned by feeling it.
- It's an emotional and physical experience, not just a verbal concept.
Swing Alters Rhythm Subdivisions
- Swing lengthens onbeat subdivisions and shortens offbeat subdivisions in the rhythm.
- This timing change is the core mechanical aspect that creates the swing feel.
Practice Swing With Drum Machines
- To practice swing, hear and feel the effect of lengthening onbeats and shortening offbeats.
- Use a drum machine to experiment with gradually changing these subdivisions to develop your swing sense.
