How to Play Polyrhythms Like a Pro: A Beginner’s Guide
Polyrhythms are one of the most complex yet exciting rhythmic techniques in music. If you know music theory, you might have heard about this term frequently, but you might not know what it truly means or how to use it. Polyrhythms are the simultaneous use of two or more contrasting rhythms in a musical piece. From a seasoned player to a beginner, you need to improve this rhythmic skill to under the polyrhythms and have an edge in your music.
What Are Polyrhythms?
Polyrhythms, in the simplest terms, are when two varying rhythms play at the same time and these rhythms don’t match straightforwardly. This is heard in different musical styles like classical compositions, jazz, rock, and pop. The most common types of polyrhythms that you can encounter include:
- 3 against 3: This is when one hand plays two notes per beat, whereas the other plays 3 notes per beat.
- 3 against 4: This technique occurs when one hand plays 3 notes per beat and the other plays 4 notes per beat.
These are simply the starting points – an advanced musician works with polyrhythms that are have 5, 7, or even more notes per beat for each hand. The key to mastering these techniques is practicing and understanding basic concepts.
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How Polyrhythms Work
You need to understand the polyrhythms better if you wish to know how they work on a basic level. Imagine you have 2 or rhymes with one that plays 2 notes over a certain amount of time, or another one that plays 3 notes over the same time. Now these 2 individual rhythms, if played at the same time, you will have to focus on the timing and how the beats fit together. The key here is to understand that no amount of rhythms divides evenly, but they will still align with an underlying beat of the music.
Read: How To Improve Timekeeping Skills For A Drummer
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Polyrhythms
Here is our step-by-step guide on how to play polyrhythms on any instrument.
1. Start with the Basics
You don’t have to start performing complex polyrhythms; instead, first practice with the basics. You must be comfortable with different time signatures, have basic coordination, and count the rhythms accurately. A strong foundation in rhythm will help make the learning process easier.
2. Choose a Simple Polyrhythm to Begin With
The simplest of all the polyrhythms is the 2 against 3. This means one part will play two notes per beat, called a duple rhythm, and the other plays 3 notes per beat, called a triple rhythm. Start by practicing on a metronome to stay in time – the key to it is both hearing & feeling the rhythms simultaneously.
3. Practice Hands Separately
If you are playing the piano or percussion, it is helpful to practice with each hand individually. Start playing one rhythm with one hand and the duple rhythm with the other. Your focus should be to get each rhythm down before playing another.
4. Count Out Loud: Slow and Steady
Counting out loud is an unconventional approach, but it’s still a helpful technique when learning polyrhythms. It allows you to mentally separate different rhythm patterns and remain on track. For instance, if you play 2 against 3, you should count 1, 2 for the two beats of one hand. And, if you play two beats in one hand, count 1, 2, 3 for the 3 beats in the other hand.
5. Gradually Increase Speed
It is best to start practice at a slow tempo, even slower than what you think is needed. When you first play the rhythms together, it sounds confusing or uneven. Take your time to build muscle memory and understand the rhythms.
6. Use Subdivisions for Accuracy
If you can’t keep track of both your rhythms, use the subdivisions for the beats. Divide your beats into smaller sections and count them out loud. For example, for 3 against 4, subdivide the 4 beats into 16th notes to keep track of it.
7. Integrate with Other Instruments
If you are playing another instrument other than the piano, like the drum or guitar, practice polyrhythms on it. It will let you have a real-world application of how these rhythms will fit into a musical context. Play along the backing tracks or even with the band – it helps you integrate polyrhythms in your playing style.
Read: How to Pick the Right Guitar for you – Things to Consider
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Conclusion
This beginner’s guide on how to play polyrhythms like a pro might seem a little difficult to implement. However, you only need to practice and be consistent about it. With time, you will be able to master this rhythmic technique and have new dimensions for your musical expression.
