The rhythm wheel: 8 ways to fill one beat
Each card is one beat (one metronome click). The circle shows how the beat is split: one slice per clap, gray is silence. Tap Listen.
Exercise: read the 4 bars and clap
Read one bar ahead. On the rest (shh), keep your hands open.
Chart: note value, word and claps
| Rhythm | Word | Claps in the beat |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter note | Tea | 1 |
| 2 eighth notes | Cof-fee | 2 |
| Triplet | Ba-na-na | 3 |
| 4 sixteenth notes | Wa-ter-mel-on | 4 |
| Eighth + 2 sixteenths | Straw-ber-ry | 3 |
| 2 sixteenths + eighth | Kan-ga-roo | 3 |
| Dotted eighth + sixteenth | Hap-py | 2 |
| Quarter rest | shh | 0 |
How to use it (at home or in class)
- Say the word in rhythm, with a slow metronome.
- Say it and clap: one syllable per clap.
- Clap only, saying the word in your head.
- Take it to your instrument: play one note with the same rhythm.
Practice with the microphone listening to your claps
In Dedilhado Vivo, Rhythm with claps has 8 lessons (quarter note to triplets) and a 6-level reading challenge. The microphone hears your claps and gives stars for timing. Works on phone and computer, no instrument needed.
Frequently asked questions
What are rhythm words?
A way to learn note values by swapping each rhythm for a word with the same number of syllables: “Tea” for a quarter note, “Cof-fee” for two eighths, “Wa-ter-mel-on” for four sixteenths.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. Rhythm words are widely used in children's music classes, and they also help adult beginners on any instrument.
Which word is the triplet?
“Ba-na-na”: three even syllables in one beat.
Do I need an instrument?
No. You can practice with claps only. In the app, the microphone checks that every clap is on time.