Rhythm Counting Worksheet – Level 1
Write the count under each note and rest (1 2 3 4, with "&" for eighth notes), then clap each line while counting aloud with a metronome. Rhythms use whole, half, quarter and eighth notes and their rests in 4/4. Check your counts with the answer key.
Answer key
Show the answers
- Bar 1 (4/4): 1
- Bar 2 (4/4): 2 &
- Bar 3 (4/4): 1 2 3 & 4 &
- Bar 4 (4/4): 1 2 3 & 4
- Bar 5 (4/4): 1 & 2 3 4 &
- Bar 6 (4/4): 1 2 &
- Bar 7 (4/4): 1 2 3
- Bar 8 (4/4): 1 3 4
Goal
Read and count basic rhythms correctly and keep a steady pulse while clapping or playing them.
How to practise
- Count every beat aloud, even during rests and long notes: "1 2 3 4".
- For eighth notes, count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &". The "&" falls exactly halfway between beats.
- Set the metronome to 60–70 BPM. Clap each line four times, counting aloud.
- When a line is clean, play it on one note of your instrument.
- Raise the tempo by 5 BPM only after four clean repetitions.
Self-check
Compare your written counts with the key. Then record yourself clapping with the click: if your claps drift ahead or behind, slow down and use an eighth-note subdivision on the metronome.
Next steps
Read the lessons on note values and rhythm and time signatures. Print the note values chart and continue with rhythm level 2.