Transcribing Basic Simple Time Rhythms Using Rhythmic Shorthand

1. Set up the beat strokes – one per beat – equally spaced above each bar e.g. below:

2. As the rhythm is played point to these beat strokes. This reinforces where the sounds that create the rhythm are heard.

3. For most rhythms (see the Advanced Rhythmic Shorthand Transcription Video for how to deal with complex rhythms and ties etc) make a mark or small line on a beat stroke showing how many sounds are heard on that beat.

For more information about Rhythmic Transcriptions see Step-by-step tips for getting better at rhythmic dictation