Play any POLYRHYTHM easily with this trick! (Interactive rhythm video)

Summary

In this video, the instructor explains the concept of polyrhythms, focusing on how to perform common patterns like 3 against 2. By breaking down beats into smaller divisions, the video demonstrates how different rhythmic patterns can be layered together to create complex and exciting polyrhythms. The method is illustrated using examples like 3 against 2 and tips on how to approach other patterns, such as 5 against 2 and 7 against 4. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of finding a common rhythmic figure and using a subdivided grid to master poly rhythms. Viewers are encouraged to practice and explore further exercises on the instructor's Patreon.

Takeaways

• 😀 Poly rhythms are built on the idea of contrasting divisions of the beat, such as dividing the beat into twos and threes.
• 😀 A poly rhythm occurs when two different rhythmic figures are performed simultaneously, creating a destabilizing but exciting effect.
• 😀 A true poly rhythm occurs when the two figures are not derived from one another, as seen in examples like 5 against 2.
• 😀 An example of a non-poly rhythm is 6 against 2, where the rhythmic figures are derived from each other and are not truly independent.
• 😀 To perform poly rhythms successfully, find a common figure that both rhythms can relate to, allowing them to be performed together.
• 😀 The most common poly rhythm is 3 against 2, which can be performed by subdividing the beat into six equal parts, matching both eighth notes and triplets.
• 😀 To perform 3 against 2, tap the right hand on the eighth notes (1 and 4) and the left hand on the triplets (1, 3, 5).
• 😀 Gradually increase the tempo while practicing poly rhythms to improve timing and coordination.
• 😀 The method used for 3 against 2 can be applied to other poly rhythms, such as 4 against 3, 5 against 2, and even 7 against 4.
• 😀 To perform complex poly rhythms like 7 against 2, find the lowest common multiple (e.g., 14) and subdivide the beat into that number of parts.
• 😀 Even poly rhythms that are rarely seen, such as 7 against 2, can be performed precisely using the same method of finding common subdivisions.

Q & A

What is a polyrhythm?

A polyrhythm is the combination of two contrasting rhythmic figures that are played simultaneously, typically with different subdivisions of the beat. This creates a complex, layered rhythm that feels destabilizing and exciting.

How does a polyrhythm differ from a simple rhythm?

A simple rhythm involves a single subdivision of the beat (like eighth notes or quarter notes), whereas a polyrhythm involves two or more rhythms that have different subdivisions, creating a complex and layered feel.

Can you give an example of a rhythm that is not a polyrhythm?

Yes. For example, eighth notes against 16th notes is not a polyrhythm because the 16th notes derive from the eighth notes—both are based on the same rhythmic figure.

What is the most common polyrhythm discussed in the video?

The most common polyrhythm discussed in the video is 3 against 2, where one rhythm is based on eighth notes (dividing the beat into two) and the other is based on triplets (dividing the beat into three).

How can you practice a 3 against 2 polyrhythm?

To practice a 3 against 2 polyrhythm, subdivide the beat into 6 ticks. Tap your right hand on 1 and 4 (the eighth notes) and your left hand on 1, 3, and 5 (the triplets), then practice playing both rhythms together.

Why is it important to find a common rhythmic figure when playing polyrhythms?

Finding a common rhythmic figure, like the smallest multiple shared by both rhythms, makes it easier to map both rhythms onto the same beat. This helps in relating both patterns to the overall pulse and improves the ability to perform them together.

What technique is suggested for more complex polyrhythms, like 7 against 2?

For more complex polyrhythms like 7 against 2, the technique involves finding the lowest common multiple (LCM) of the two subdivisions, then subdividing the beat into that number of ticks. For 7 against 2, this would be 14 ticks, with septuplets landing on the odd numbers and eighth notes on 1 and 8.

What makes polyrhythms feel destabilizing or exciting?

Polyrhythms feel destabilizing because the contrasting subdivisions of the beat create a sense of tension. This effect is unique to polyrhythms, as simple rhythms with a single subdivision do not create the same kind of complexity or interaction between different rhythmic figures.

What is the benefit of practicing polyrhythms using a grid system?

A grid system helps visualize the rhythm by breaking the beat down into smaller subdivisions. This allows you to see exactly where the different rhythmic figures land, making it easier to perform polyrhythms accurately.

What is the relationship between a polyrhythm and its subdivisions?

In a polyrhythm, the two rhythmic figures have different subdivisions of the beat. These subdivisions do not derive from one another, creating a complex interaction between the rhythms. For example, 5 against 2 involves two subdivisions that do not share a common factor, unlike simpler rhythms like eighth notes against 16th notes.