Musician's Phrasebook

Swing

Rhythm & Time Beginner

A long-short rhythmic feel — the first half of the beat is stretched, the second half is clipped, instead of even eighth notes.

Why it matters

Swing is the difference between a straight groove and one that bounces. Jazz, blues, and shuffle grooves live here.

Used in a sentence

“Don't play it straight — give it some swing.”
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