The eight equal notes of one Hanon pattern can be squeezed into the six quaver slots of a bar of six-eight by doubling the speed/halving the length of four of the notes.

This can be effected in a great variety of ways, giving you a near-endless variety of patterns to play - and enjoy! - your Hanon exercises.

Download the music for the Musicarta Hanon A-Z Series Rhythmic Variations here.

These rhythmic patterns will 'crisp up' your playing - if you listen closely enough, and, when the hands start playing different rhythms, will offer an excellent daily opportunity to practice syncopated finger patterns.

The patterns are best learnt and practiced in a static five-finger position before being 'applied' to the Hanon excercises. Here is a video explaining the procedure.

The familiar Hanon exercises are played in the new rhythms. Here's the first example.

But you also transfer the rhythm to another Hanon exercise. Here's how.

Rhythmic templates A, B and C are 'unison' patterns. From D on, things get a little more complicated.

There's extra help in the form of a 'tapping drill'.

  Rhythmic templates A to E  

Below is how the Rhythmic Variations are presented - assuming that you have watched and understood the five mini-videos above.