Swing ratios and rhythmic feels

Swing ratios express the strength of the swing using beat units. For example, a swing ratio of 2:1 means the first note in each pair is twice as long as the second, creating a triplet swing.

A swing ratio of 1:1 means the music is played straight, while a swing ratio of 5:1 means each pair of notes is played as if they were sextuplets, with the first note in the pair lasting five divisions and the second note lasting one.

Figure: Swing ratio 1:1

Figure: Swing ratio 5:1

The following rhythmic feels and swing ratios are provided by default in Dorico Elements:

2:1 swing (fixed)

Extends the first note in a pair of eighth notes to be twice as long as the second, creating a strict triplet 2:1 ratio. This is also known as a triplet swing. This ratio is maintained regardless of the tempo by default.

3:1 swing (fixed)

Extends the first note in a pair of eighth notes to be three times as long as the second, creating a dotted eighth-16th ratio (dotted quaver-semiquaver). This ratio is maintained regardless of the tempo by default.

Heavy swing

Produces a tempo-dependent swing ratio of between 3:1 at low tempos and 1.5:1 at high tempos.

Light swing

Produces a tempo-dependent swing ratio of between 1.5:1 at low tempos and 1:1 at high tempos.

Medium swing

Produces a tempo-dependent swing ratio of between 2:1 at low tempos and 1.5:1 at high tempos.

Straight (no swing)

Produces no swing, that is, even eighth notes in the ratio 1:1 at all tempos.

You can change the swing ratio used for specific sections and for individual players.