A finite element beam‐type model considering transverse shear deformation is presented which utilizes Timoshenko's original kinematic variables. A direct calculation of the distribution of energies due to extension, flexure, and shear is indicated. For beam vibrations, comparison of the present results with other analyses shows that the current formulation is extremely effective for cross sections whose depth is comparable to a wavelength. Natural frequencies of frames and arches are computed using the present element and are compared with values based upon neglect of transverse shear deformation to illustrate this effect quantitatively.