Free Masterclass · 53 Minutes

Not sure what eighth notes and triplets actually mean? Confused by time signatures like 7/8?

Understanding Rhythmic Terminology

A deep dive into the naming system behind rhythmic values — what the names actually mean, and the rules that follow once you choose them. Taught by Yshai Afterman.

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If this resonates with you, the next step is joining one of the group classes — where you'll build on these foundations week by week, with personal feedback and a community of serious students.

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What this masterclass covers

The naming system

What does it actually mean to call a beat a "quarter note"? Where do the names come from, and what logic connects them all?

The rules that follow

Once you choose what to call your main grid of beats, a whole set of relationships unfolds — half notes, 8th notes, 16th notes and beyond.

Names vs. math

The common confusion between rhythmic terminology and basic fractions — and why sorting this out changes how you hear and read rhythm.

Clarity for everything after

This is foundational knowledge that makes every lesson, every sheet, every conversation about rhythm clearer from this point forward.

Yshai Afterman

Taught by Yshai Afterman

Yshai has been teaching Middle Eastern percussion online since 2010 — one of the longest-running programs in the field. His method emphasizes deep understanding of rhythm, composition, and improvisation over memorizing patterns.