Beat vs. Rhythm

Learn the difference between beat and rhythm in music! In this video, I explain what beat and rhythm are in music and the difference between the two. Enjoy!
If you are a music educator, considering sharing this video with your students or using it as a supplemental resource during your classes!
Subscribe to my channel for more videos about music theory and resources for music teachers and band directors!
/ @joshuawitrado
Check out my Music Theory Series Playlist here!
• Music Theory
Check out Part 2 of my Music Theory Series here!
• How to Read Music Note...
Check out Illenium's music here!
/ @illenium

[@kyt8863]

This is really great. I know full grown adults that confuse the 2. Your explanation made it easy for them to understand the difference

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏼

[@sabrinascurti9025]

I really liked the way you simplified the difference between beat and rhythm because its a great way for kids to understand.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for the kind words! 🙏🏼

[@dayvancowgirl]

This was so helpful! Thank you from a 33 year old with no music experience who hopes to someday play an instrument!

[@joshuawitrado]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙏🏼 keep working toward your goals! 🙌🏼

[@johnbuell8035]

Why ‘some day’? If you had started the day you posted this, you’d be on your way. Start today!

[@dayvancowgirl]

@John Buell I appreciate the encouragement! I've been in a pretty low place, music feels overwhelming. I took lessons a few years ago when i was in a better place and I felt overwhelmed. I can only imagine now 😅 I always think people who know how to read music and play instruments are like wizards!

[@johnbuell8035]

@@dayvancowgirl Sorry to hear times have been tough for you. Playing music can really help, when you’re feeling low. You can lose yourself in a place where your pain doesn’t exist, and it really lifts your spirits. Don’t look at the end goal of being good at it. Give yourself one easy goal - learn to play the chords of a song you like, or a simple melody you like. You’re a beginner, so don’t be hard on yourself. Celebrate a small win and then set another simple goal. Just to be able to do something or know something you didn’t know yesterday is a win, and a step on the road. Mastery of music is a lifetime’s work, but you don’t have to be a master, and you can enjoy every step along the way. Just make a decision to have a try. You might change your life! Finally, reading music and playing music are two different things. I’m not knocking reading, it’s a valuable skill set, but you don’t have to read to play. People have made an awful lot of great music without reading. Good luck!

[@gem2148]

I'm 32 too now, have always wanted to learn and play music too. Your comment made me feel that I'm not alone and that there is still hope we're not too late.

[@danielkannan6246]

Thank you Josh for this simple & easy to understand explanation… Arguably one of the greatest producers Quincy Jones has a saying… ” Melody stays constant & the Rhythm always changes But the time ( beat ) always stays in the Rhythm …

[@Gwen3344]

This was excellent. Concepts that I've struggled to understand explained clearly and concisely. Thank you so much! Subscribed!!

[@joshuawitrado]

I'm so glad that you enjoyed the video! Thank you SO MUCH! 🙏🏼

[@metopin10]

Thanks Josh - I teach college music appreciation, and I think there is a lot of confusion over these terms for students because of the way the term is used in contemporary popular music. Artist and Producers talk about creating 'beats' when they are really creating a rhythmic track. So, students have confusion over the terms. Sharing this (with credit of course!) with my students today.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much for watching! I completely agree with you on that one! Happy to hear that you’re sharing the video with your students! 🙏🏼

[@connortaylor5799]

Very clear and the visuals really support. I'm incorporating this into some classroom teaching. Thanks for the clarity of your video.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for the kind words! I wish you the best in your teaching! 🙏🏼

[@italkwithandrea]

Thank you. This was explained really clearly. I also listened to the song and was trying to focus on the difference between the beat and the rhythm.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for watching! I’m so glad it was helpful to you! 🙏🏼

[@abirmusic99]

Very clear and just so helpful. Thank you so much for saving me from the confusion

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for the kind words! 🙏🏼 I'm so glad I could help!!

[@Solrosen34]

You're an excellent instructor! Thanks so much. This is wonderful.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for the kind words! 🙏🏼

[@aashreyabaweja]

Hope you’ll post more videos! This was really helpful.

[@joshuawitrado]

I’m glad that it was helpful to you! Life gets pretty busy as a full-time band director, but I do intend on keeping this KZbin thing going for as long as I can!

[@littleroundgoddess]

Thank you so much for this! I will definitely watch more. I'm a dancer learning a new form including the rhythms. This is helping inform my study. Yay!

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much for watching! I’m so glad that you found it helpful!! 🙏🏼

[@killianbengana4996]

Thanks man, I'm not sure I can tell you how much you cleared that up for me. Really, thank you.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much for the kind words! 🙏🏼 I'm glad I could help!

[@MusicEducationwiththeMan]

Thank you for your excellent video on Beat versus Rhythm! I shared it with my students.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much for the kind words and for sharing!! 🙏🏼

[@ameliacesin1814]

So helpful and perfectly explained. Thank you!

[@joshuawitrado]

So glad you enjoyed it!! 🙏🏼

[@Tritanope]

Super well made video man, big ups!

[@joshuawitrado]

That means so much, thank you!! 🙏🏼

[@Testosterone_Messiah]

Great video bro! Did a great job explaining those concepts.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much!! 🙏🏼

[@RobSlaughter-certified]

Great explanation! Thank you!

[@joshuawitrado]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching!!

[@pop8590]

Thank you so much for this!!!

[@joshuawitrado]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching!!

[@cobalthorizon]

Fabulous lesson. I can't tell you how some very accomplished musicians are at a loss to explain, in such a concise and granular way, what rhythm is.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for the kind words! 🙏🏼

[@Itz_GamePoint]

Added to watch later. You're amazing.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏼

[@samuelkirandas]

This is what I needed, Thank you!😉

[@joshuawitrado]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@explorer3031]

you are awsome, you made it easierand digestible. i am always greatful for you. i was struggling with theory.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for watching! 🙏🏼

[@grizzbear98]

You have a great way to explain it that I get it!

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@ScarletRed.]

Thank you. ❤

[@joshuawitrado]

Thanks for watching!

[@neilansiva6007]

Great explanation

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏼

[@christianjake7700]

I've been struggling to identify their differences lately. Thankfully, I found your video, this'll help on my academics.

[@joshuawitrado]

So glad I can help! Thank you so much for watching! 🙏🏼

[@christianjake7700]

@@joshuawitrado I'll definitely share your channel to my friends. Our music teacher is kinda not doing nice at explaining these kinds of stuff.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for sharing! Be sure to give grace to your music teacher as well 🙏🏼

[@ChaoMusicP]

Wow you explained it really well, love it! Very sequential and cohesive. The irony is that I came from the 5minutemusictheory channel and what you did in 4min30 he couldn't do in his 3 mins (I didn't even learn anything in those 3 mins) 😂

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for watching! I’m glad you were able to get value out of the video! 🙏🏼

[@TV-yw9ro310]

Thank you so much!

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for watching!!

[@anneclark8907]

Really interesting.... you're a great teacher!

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you!

[@TwinkleShminkle]

Thanks 💛

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you!

[@tonymoroc]

Please continue to make videos. There excellent.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you!! I definitely plan on making more videos! 🙌🏼

[@patfiddles]

Great explanation Joshua.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for watching!

[@tinhspace]

Thank you so much

[@joshuawitrado]

Thanks for watching!

[@guitarrathiago]

superb video. very well explained !!!

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much!!

[@rousskorousskov7459]

Very,very helpful

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for watching!!

[@xpartyevents]

perfect lesson..great

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you!

[@guitarrathiago]

will help me to teach it to students. thanks !!

[@joshuawitrado]

I'm so glad I can help! Thank you!!

[@josephromano2819]

Well done!

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏼

[@craigharris9464]

Great video thanks!

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much for watching! 🙏🏼

[@angelainyt]

Oh, Wow, now I know what really makes people want to dance: It is the rhythm! Thanks Joshua, love this video!

[@joshuawitrado]

I’m so glad you found it helpful!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@angelablumberg3804]

This great teaching, that you!

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you!

[@TheChelsin8r]

Love the video -Ms.Green's Class!

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for the kind words! 🙏🏼

[@williammotilal6396]

Helpful thanks

[@joshuawitrado]

Thanks for watching!

[@samrogers9515]

great video!

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for watching!

[@qchentj]

good explaination.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much!!

[@heed9726]

Great video. Make More!

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for watching! 🙏🏼 I've got more coming for sure!

[@Ralphofficial_]

Can you make a video about how to match the best

[@LiliCee-T-rex]

I love it

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much!

[@frytor2240]

Hey man, i liked it so much your explanation, that i sub, 😅 but where i find the next related videos of kinds of beats, tempos and rhythms ?

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you! I do have a video on my channel that talks all about different rhythms. Check it out!

[@kirtanflow4450]

Nice one man 👌Cheers 👍

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for watching!

[@judge_tbc1633]

Hey Mr. Witrado! It's Michael Dexter from Quail Lake. Btw great video quality 👍

[@joshuawitrado]

Hey, Michael! Thanks for the comment!

[@geraldgalas4450]

Very good presentation, and video. I look forward to seeing more. Any suggestions for improving beat consistancy while playing piano ?

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for watching!! Using a metronome when you play is the best thing to do to improve timing and consistency. Start slow to build control of the hands and then speed up gradually from there!

[@geraldgalas4450]

Joshua: Thank you for your quick response, I appreciate it. I usually use a metronome, but for some unknown reason I either speed up or slow down randomly. Any suggested practices I could do to help this ?

[@violetsichinga8214]

This is helpful

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you!!

[@blakk2k]

I'm here to help me compile a 1 beat playlist of songs that will aid me in my studying

[@YOGIGREENWOOD]

very nice tha nks for posting keep it up

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@ramesherrabolu1590]

Thanks for the explanation about beat vs rhythm. If I follow some notes drag for one beat interval while others may occupy multiple beat intervals. Is it possible to have some notes that play for partial beat intervals. I suspect not but would like to get it clarified.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thanks for the comment and for watching! Eighth notes are an example of rhythms that occupy partial bests because you can have two eighth notes play within one beat. You can even have partials of any number play within a single beat as well! That just means that the notes are going to be played faster so that they can all fit within one beat.

[@rag_ni]

Can you give video on how to catch beat accurately ?

[@cheetahsforever7849]

Thank you very much! Now I'm trying to understand "pulse". Sometimes people interchange " pulse" with "beat", and end up defining " beat" differently, which is very confusing for me.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thanks for watching! I suppose pulse and beat can be interchangeable but they are both very different from rhythm!

[@thermitty_qxr5276]

Hello im just a 10 year old student here. And that video was so understandable, helpful and enjoyable as a 10 year old. That was well said. Thanks Edit: now i understand and know the difference between Beat and Rhythm

[@joshuawitrado]

That's awesome to hear! Thank you! 🙌🏼

[@thermitty_qxr5276]

@@joshuawitrado your welcome. We appreciate it.

[@user-hs5ro8dz4u]

I subbed right away I like your vibbbbe

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏼

[@Slemington]

Helpful video. I just find music having to much going on. Beat, rhythm, harmony, melody

[@joshuawitrado]

I’m glad the video was helpful! All the elements of music can seem like a lot, but deeper understanding can definitely lead to more enjoyment just like with anything else!

[@alirezaghasemipanah5470]

Thanks for your information I just have a question that how you made that equalizer effects in your video that truly affected by music beats?

[@joshuawitrado]

Thanks for watching! I used the program After Effects. There is an audio visualizer preset in the program and then I just watched a KZbin tutorial to learn how to put it together!

[@TheMouseOnTheRight]

Hey Joshua, I'm including a link to a piece of music; can you tell me if the beat changes, and if so, how many times? I would love to hear your POV on this. Thank you.

[@joshuawitrado]

I’d love to help but I don’t see a link!

[@y_m8479]

❤️

[@ramesherrabolu1590]

I am new to this subject matter. I don't know music notation - clef, etc. Is there a way I can learn beats and rhythms without having to learn its notation. Also do you recommend some kind of guided course material I could rely on to practices

[@joshuawitrado]

Hey, there! There are tons of musicians that can play without knowing how to read music so it is possible! KZbin is definitely a great resource to learn about music notation.

[@rajeshhkkapoor8549]

neat background dude. can u please explain how we can break down meshuggah type riffs.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you for the kind words! I’m sure there are several videos on KZbin that break down riffs from Meshuggah so go ahead and check them out! Periphery is one of my favorite bands!

[@rajeshhkkapoor8549]

@@joshuawitrado reason I asked u is cuz i know.... I feel when u will explain.. light bulbs would go off in my head

[@daniel.shalome]

This is amazing

[@joshuawitrado]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏼

[@stures5699]

🙏🥁❤️

[@gregdahlen4375]

afraid i still didn't get it. hard to think rhythm doesn't still follow the beat or establish its own beat. i'll keep watching to try to get it

[@holypotato6983]

Holy shit, it was so fucking easyyyy! Thanks mannnnn!

[@joshuawitrado]

Thanks for watching! 🙌🏼

[@prashanthp6006]

Why is rhythm called repitition of sound when u are saying it constantly changes?Like i just red somewhere that rhythm of earth around sun is 365 days.

[@joshuawitrado]

Great question! I suppose this is where we get into the different definitions of rhythm depending on the context. Specifically in music, rhythms are notes of different durations that be arranged in different combinations. Check out my video on how to read rhythms where I go more in depth about this topic!

[@prashanthp6006]

@@joshuawitrado Also..may b not related to rhis video..but can u plz tell what makes a strong beat strong and a weak beat weak?Is it the pitch of the note?

[@joshuawitrado]

That is actually a video topic that I have in mind already!

[@psycloneedits]

Video starts at 1:11

[@taydingle754]

Hey Mr witrado you told us to subscribe in class so I did 😜😂

[@joshuawitrado]

Lol thank you!!

[@porko882]

The tempo can change though out piece can't it?

[@joshuawitrado]

It definitely can! If it’s a slower tempo or a faster tempo, the beat is still steady relative to that tempo.

[@Ralphofficial_]

There's some beat patterns I just can understand, how to find the number one ect, Like Beyonce brown skin girl and brick and lace love is wicked

[@joshuawitrado]

Really good point! Often times, beat 1 has some type of kick drum sound or even a crash cymbal sound to emphasize the beat. Then there is typically a snare drum, clap, or snap sound on Beats 2 and 4. Then it repeats back to beat 1!

[@Ralphofficial_]

@@joshuawitrado I need to be coach it's just not working for me if you looks for these specific songs I mentioned above you will see what I'm talking bout

[@voxxandy6136]

Im none but I was just curious tbh

[@taysonhsu8231]

Hi Mr. Witrado

[@joshuawitrado]

Hey, Tayson!

[@danieludah6227]

Nice video... please I beg you don't blur the background as it disturbs the eye. Thanks.

[@joshuawitrado]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate the feedback!

[@Slemington]

Ugh. Why is music so confusing?

[@giacomorolma5481]

I respectfully disagree on the rhythm definition.

[@joshuawitrado]

I totally see your point! In this video, I really tried to keep the definition simple and relevant to the topic of beat vs. rhythm. I have another video that is specifically dedicated to rhythms where I go into much greater detail!