polyrhythms

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A New Perspective on Polyrhythms, Part 2

The easiest way to create a five-over-two polyrhythm is to play quintuplet single strokes across two different surfaces.

by Aaron Edgar
Oct 29, 2019

A New Perspective on Polyrhythms, Part 1

The easiest way to think about a two-over-five polyrhythm is that you have two equally spaced notes across five beats.

by Aaron Edgar
Sep 30, 2019

Polyrhythmic Rudiment Applications

Using Standard Stickings to Tackle Odd Groupings

by Aaron Edgar
Oct 30, 2018

Multilayered Polyrhythms - Rhythmic Puzzles for Your Mind and Body

Last month we concluded our two-part introduction to polyrhythms with an example that combined multiple polyrhythms within one phrase. In this lesson, we’ll continue layering multiple polyrhythms to take the previous ideas to an even deeper level. These exercises will…

by Aaron Edgar
Jun 27, 2018

Seven-Over-Three Polyrhythms

Exploring the Space Between an Odd Grouping

by Aaron Edgar
Jan 31, 2018
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Exploring Five-Over-Three

Mastering a Difficult Grouping, Step by Step

by Aaron Edgar
Dec 28, 2017

A New Perspective

Displacing Four-Over-Three Polyrhythms

by Aaron Edgar
Aug 30, 2017

Advanced Herta Applications

Rudimental Polyrhythms in Odd Subdivisions

by Aaron Edgar
Jun 28, 2017

A New Perspective - Displacing Three-Over-Four Polyrhythms

A three-over-four polyrhythm is comprised of sets of three equally spaced notes and four equally spaced notes that occupy the same timeframe. Typically both sides of the polyrhythm start together on the same note and utilize the same subdivision. If…

Aaron Edgar
May 31, 2017

Septuplet Fives - Polyrhythmic Permutation

Seven over five can be a challenging polyrhythm to master. We’ll start building this rhythm by playing every fifth septuplet partial in a measure of 5/4. It can take plenty of dedicated practice to master this figure, especially when we…

Aaron Edgar
Mar 29, 2017

Jazz Drummer's Workshop - Polyrhythms

What is usually meant when one hears a description of the term polyrhythm is a misinterpretation of the term polymeter. Polymeters are two or more meters usually related mathematically, and played simultaneously. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

Rock Perspectives: Polyrhythms

In the third part of this series (November ’09), we applied a four-against-three polyrhythm to either the ride cymbal or the bass drum, while the snare drum played the backbeats on 2 and 4. Now let’s take things a step…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017
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Progressive Drumming Essentials, Part 2: Demystifying Polyrhythms

Rock Perspectives Progressive Drumming Essentials Part 2: Demystifying Polyrhythms by Aaron Edgar Polyrhythms, which are two contrasting subdivisions played simultaneously, can create beautifully hypnotic, entrancing patterns that dance around the pulse. They can also weave themselves into complete and utter…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

A New Perspective - Displacing Two-Over-Three Polyrhythms

This month we’re going to vary the basic phrasing of polyrhythms. Typically, both sides of a polyrhythm begin together on the first note of the rhythm. We can vary this by displacing one or both sides of the rhythm. We’ll…

Aaron Edgar
Feb 23, 2017
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