Rhythm is a language. As with any language, you must first learn thealphabet, create words that make up sentences, form paragraphs leading toconversation, and expressing emotion, which is the ultimate goal.Rhythm works the same way. Learning the basic rhythms, i.e., quarternotes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, understanding their "note values", applyingthem to a specific bar size and meter, combining the rhythms in a different orderto suit your ideas; ultimately having a complete thought to express yourself.Within this framework, the possibilities are endless.