I find these two images to be helpful for swung eighth notes.

[Linked Image from rockclass101.com]

[Linked Image from rockclass101.com]

From StudyBass.com ( Shuffle and Swing Rhythms ):

What is Shuffle Rhythm?
Shuffle rhythm is a specific 8th note rhythmic feel. It is based on triplet subdivisions of the beat rather than on dividing each beat perfectly in half (a.k.a. straight 8th notes). It’s easiest to understand it by hearing it. It is a very familiar rhythmic feel that’s heard in rock, blues, and jazz. Listen to the examples on the exercises page for this lesson.

Shuffle eighth notes alternate a long note and a short note. The long note falls on the beat and the short one in-between on the off-beat.

You are essentially playing the eighth note triplet, but not playing the middle note of the triplet. You may think of the first two notes of the triplet as being tied together or, just missing the middle note of the triplet.

What is Swing Rhythm?
People will say swing rhythm is pretty much the same as shuffle rhythm. This is more or less true. And, in the beginning you may as well think that way. To me, I think of shuffle as rigidly based on the underlying triplet rhythm. Swing is similar, but open to more interpretation. If you listen to different jazz musicians, they all swing rhythms slightly differently. There's a lot of room for subtle variation. Most people will tell you swing cannot be accurately notated, only felt.

In jazz you're always expected to swing 8th notes unless it is a Latin tune (i.e. Bossa Nova, Samba) where you use straight 8th notes. The swing rhythm is a defining element of jazz.

Last edited by TheMaartian; Yesterday at 01:37 AM.
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