A rhythmic motive is a short, identifiable rhythmic cell that can be repeated and varied to drive a groove

A rhythmic motive is a short, strongly identifiable pattern of note durations and silences, typically 2-4 notes long, with a recognizable rhythmic character. Repeated throughout a track or phrase, a motive drives forward motion and gives music identity. Motives can be varied through augmentation (longer note values), diminution (shorter values), displacement (starting on a different beat), or inversion. In loop-based electronic music, a distinctive motive in the bass or lead is often the hook. Common dance motives: two sixteenth notes + one eighth note; the tresillo pattern (3+3+2).

Examples

Two sixteenth notes + one eighth note — used in house, techno bass lines. The Mission Impossible theme is built on a 10/8 rhythmic motive.

Assessment

Write three different rhythmic motives from two sixteenths and one eighth note. Loop one for 4 bars and describe the feel it creates.