# Regroup rhythms

## Overview

Standard music notation normally follows a set of conventions designed to facilitate the reading of rhythm. The basic idea is to group notes in ways that clarify which notes belong to which beat. Rules include:

* sixteenth notes should be beamed in a way that clarifies each beat
* eighth notes should be beamed in a way that clarifies each group of two beats
* longer notes that start off the beat should be broken up with ties to clarify each beat or group of two beats

A full discussion of this topic is beyond the scope of this Handbook, but for more information, see [this handout](https://musescore.com/user/2975/scores/5711373).

Here is an example of a rhythm written incorrectly and then correctly:

<figure><img src="https://1176537835-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FH3sZJsSgqO4TZXASAHlY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-96a7e75a3eb5f1b710352471e4f9e2a3e3313b72%2Fregroup-rhythms.png?alt=media" alt="Example of rhythm written incorrectly and correctly"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

MuseScore can correct many of these cases automatically.

## Regrouping rhythms

To regroup rhythms according to the common conventions of standard music notation:

1. Select the passage you wish to regroup.
2. From the main menu, select **Tools→Regroup rhythms**.

The rhythm itself is not changed—only the notation of it.

## See also

* [Notation Rules: Rhythm](https://musescore.com/user/2975/scores/5711373)