LexBrew
Usage Entry 1256 / 1350 60-second read

Rhythm vs. Beat

The pattern of sounds and silences versus the underlying steady pulse.

The comparisoni

✗ Wrong

Clap to the rhythm of a metronome.

✓ Correct

Clap to the beat of a metronome — the metronome marks a steady beat. The rhythm is the pattern played against it.

The ruleii

RHYTHM = pattern. BEAT = pulse.

BEAT is the steady underlying pulse — what a metronome ticks. RHYTHM is the pattern of notes and rests layered on top — syncopation, groove, feel. You can keep the beat and still be rhythmically off.

Memory aidiii

Remember it like this

Beat = pulse. Rhythm = pattern.

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