making sense of polyrhythms
TRANSCRIPT
Making Sense of Polyrhythms
What Is A Polyrhythm?
● Common rhythms in music use quarter notes, 8th notes, 16th notes, and triplets.
● Polyrhythms consist of combinations of common rhythms.
● Essentially, they involve playing more than one rhythm at the same time, causing conflict.
● For example, a triplet being played at the same time as two eighth notes.
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When and Where Are Polyrhythms Used?
● Western music uses mostly common rhythms, and is traditionally played in 4/4 time.
● In music from parts of the world, such as India and Ghana, polyrhythms and syncopation are often used.
● This music strays from the traditional Western style of 4/4 time, instead using more complex time (for example: 7/8, 5/16, or 12/8 time).
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Polyrhythms Are Not As Confusing As They Seem!
● Polyrhythms initially appear difficult because of conflicting beats
● However, with practice, any musician can master them
● Many musicians already incorporate polyrhythms in their playing without realizing it!
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How Do We Count A Polyrhythm?
● Many methods for counting polyrhythms exist.
● One option is to use the traditional counting method, using “ah” and “and” to count out loud.
● Another useful method is to use a certain phrase to count out a polyrhythm.
● For example: you can practice 3:2 polyrhythms using the phrase “Hot Cup of Tea”.
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How To Learn and Practice Polyrhythms
● Learning polyrhythms is easier for drummers and musicians with skills in rhythm.
● For beginners, it is a good idea to learn polyrhythms by ear with a metronome.
● Start slow; set your metronome to 60 beats per minute to begin with, speeding up as you become more comfortable with the polyrhythm.
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Summary
● Though they initially look complicated, polyrhythms are just combinations of simple rhythms.
● They are often found in non-Western music.
● Many musicians already use them without realizing it!
● Start slow by learning basic polyrhythms first and using a metronome with a slower BPM to count along.
● Incorporating the polyrhythms you learn into your musical practice will really help you master them.
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