introduction to common polyrhthms in popular music

1. Music Theory
& Keyboard
Skills
Polyrhythms
musicstudentinfo.com
Christopher Baker

2. Polyrhythm
Definition
Polyrhythm is the simultaneous use of two or
more rhythms that are not readily perceived as
deriving from one another.
Polyrhythms require at least two rhythms to be
played concurrently
The rhythmic layers may be the basis of an entire
piece of music, or a momentary section.

3. Rhythmic
Layering
• Simply put, a polyrhythm consists of layers of
simpler rhythms. More than one type of rhythm
is played at the same time, with each rhythm
containing a different beat subdivision.
• The rhythmic tension and release found in
polyrhythms makes them danceable, aurally
interesting, and more expressive than your
typical four-on-the-floor rhythm.

4. 3:2 Polyrhythm or Hemiola
• 3:2 polyrhythm: Known as hemiola, this triple-over-
duple polyrhythm involves a three-note rhythm held over
a two-note rhythmic pattern.
• Typically, this involves triplets over quarter notes or eighth
notes.

5. One of the most Common Polyrhythms
Triplets over Duplets 3:2 or 3 over 2

6. 3 over 2 is quite common and widely used
Daydreaming by Radiohead
RH Piano Plays
3 beats against
LH Piano
Playing 2 beats

7. Light my Fire
The Doors 3:2
Organ Solo
• Polyrhythm used as a feature.
• For each 2 beats of Drums the Organ plays 3

8. Listen to Mongo Santamaria’s rendition of “Afro
Blue”
Once you tune your ears to
various polyrhythms, you’ll
notice that it’s possible to
count the meter differently for
different instruments – the
multiple percussion instruments
overlap and interweave to form
a complex, cohesive rhythm

9. African Origins
• Most polyrhythms originated in the musical traditions of Africa.
• The organic, complex rhythms served an important social purpose: they are a musical
symbol of the relationships between people that combine to build the cohesive cultural
expression of a community.

10. 4 over 3
Polyrhythm
Fake Empire
The National

11. Play & Count Aloud 1 e + d, 2 e & d, 3 e & d
Practicing basic polyrhythms will help improve your
musicianship.
1. First, tap your foot to the quarter-
note beat
2. tap and count 1 e & d, 2 3 & d,
3. tap and count Ba ta ta, Ba ta ta
4. playing both simultaneously will
give a 4 over 3 Polyrhythm
5. Stop saying the “ta”s and just say
the “BA”s, still tapping your foot to the
quarter note, you’re playing the
four-against-three polyrhythm!

12. Kashmir by Led Zeppelin
• The main riff of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” features
a more complex example of a four-against-three
polyrhythm.
• It’s notated in 3/4 time, but the drums are
essentially playing in 4/4 …

13. Kashmir by Led Zeppelin

14. Common Polyrhythms
Common polyrhythms include:
• 3:2 polyrhythm: Known as hemiola.
• 2:3 polyrhythm: This is the same
concept as hemiola, just reversed:
• 3:4 polyrhythm: A three-note rhythm
held over a four-note rhythm.
• 4:3 polyrhythm: A four-note rhythm
held over a three-note rhythm.
There are many more

15. Polyrhythms – A TOOL to create interest.
Take
Take a little
practicing.
Listen out
Listen out for
them in
tracks.
Occur
Occur often in
African, Jazz,
Latin & Funk
Music.
• May be used as a basis for
a song.
• May be used for a section
only.
• Can be used during solos.

16. Practicing Polyrhythms
Practice one
hand at a time.
01
When you feel
comfortable, play
both rhythms
together.
02
Use a
metronome.
03
Regular practice
is the only way to
master any
instrument.
04
Be patient.
05