(Taken from Rhythm Knowledge, Volume Two, page 16) About the Rhythm Knowledge Systems The Rhythm Knowledge Systems are based on biomechanics (well-established, indisputable facts about how humans work). I didn’t design the ‘wiring’ of the human brain, and I’m not particularly concerned with why coordination works. As a musician, I just need to know how it works. It is the “biomechanical philosophy” of the Clockwise/Counter-Clockwise Limb System (C&C) that makes it special. Anybody could come up with an exercise that uses all of your limbs or fingers, but the C&C system’s method of transitioning from limb to limb in a “recognizable-by-shape” pattern is truly unique and yields very, very, very, very quick results, because it is based on balance and on interacting muscle groups, not on the aimless mixing and matching of limbs. The Not-Quite-Doubled Counting System (NQD) will help you to become comfortable with odd-numbered note groupings. It works by breaking everything down into the simplest sequences possible. To do this, I have borrowed from the world of computers. Binary Code needs only two characters (usually 1 and 0) because it has only two states: on and off. All rhythms are made up of notes that are either ‘on the beat’ or ‘off the beat,’ therefore any rhythm can be ‘translated’ into Binary Code. From this perspective, odd rhythms look essentially the same as [usually more familiar] even rhythms, so they don’t seem so ‘odd’ anymore (pun intended). All The Permutations (ATP) pretty much means what it says. Even rhythm is made up of permutations (combinations) of note-groups. Although an infinite amount of possible combinations are possible, only a limited number are ever likely to be used in anything recognizable as music. If you can play every note-group you’re likely to encounter, and combine it with any other note-group you’re likely to encounter …you can play just about anything!! Two Numbers Twice (2N2) essentially takes NQD and ATP and extends the logic. Because music is all about expressing emotions, and because emotions are rarely static, it is quite likely that you will want to change moods during a song. Although melody is equally effective as a mood-changer, we are concerned with rhythm for now. 2N2 systematically steps you through all of the transitions you are likely to use. The Management Tools are there to help you to actually use all of this stuff! The Rhythm Knowledge systems have clearly-stated purposes, and each is a logical extension of the principles of biomechanics (what makes us ‘tick’). Perhaps their most important feature is that they are designed to be dynamic. As science uncovers new information about how brain and body work together, Rhythm Knowledge will evolve to new levels of efficiency. You can follow along simply by keeping up with the Rhythm Knowledge series, but think how much better off you’ll be if you develop your own understanding of your “machinery.” We live in the information age. There is more “stuff” out there than anyone could ever go through in nine lifetimes …go grab some and use it!! Know what you’re practicing for!! “To get better” isn’t a good enough answer; you should know exactly what each exercise will do for you, and why!! While the logic behind this is indisputable at any time, it is especially helpful during those ‘do I have to?’ days. If there is one single difference between good players and great players, it is motivation. No one is naturally motivated all the time, but when you’re struggling to stay on track, it helps enormously to have a clear understanding of exactly how you will benefit from the [sometimes superhuman] effort it takes to sit down and practice …NOW!! If you let them, they will lead you to a point where you have the skills to express any emotion through music. -Mike Mangini Back to "How It Works"