Even The Odds: Eighth Note Triplet Illusion

In this exercise we will examine how a rhythm can be be modulated from one implied feel while
in reality it is something very different. Lets begin by playing the first two patterns individually
and compare how each one sounds in relation to one another, strangely you will find they both
sound identical:
1.

2. R L

R L

c ..

.. .. ..

Lets add the feet playing in unison with the hands from example two:
3.

3
3

..

..

4.

Remove the hands but continue the feet:

.. 3 3 ..
3

5. Lets place the hands back over top but this time playing a quarter note based backbeat:

y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
..

..

3
3

by Neal Busby

Even The Odds: Eighth Note Triplet Illusion

This final 14 bar exercise demonstrates the full rhythmic illusion created by the modulation
of the original two exercises. The first two bars have a distinct 1/8th note feel until the full beat
starts in bar three. At that point the rabbit is out of the hat and listeners know they have been
musically duped.
6.

c ..

3
3

y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y

3 3
3

y
y
y
y
y
y
..
y
y

3
3

3
y

y
y
y

3
3

Copyright 2015 Neal Busby