polyrhythms
Simultaneous contrasting rhythms
Polyrhythms are the simultaneous use of two or more conflicting rhythmic patterns in music.
A drummer might play three beats with one hand while playing four with the other, creating interlocking patterns that don't align until they cycle back to one: West African drumming is built on polyrhythms.
The technique appears across many traditions, from jazz to electronic music.
Engaging by overlap
- phasingImplementing by stages
- superimpositionLayering one element over another
- displacementRemoval from usual location
- subdivisionPortion of something larger
layering · ostinato · syncopation · offbeat · backbeat · anticipation · polymeter · grouping
Simultaneous independent melodies
- polyphonySimultaneous independent melodic lines
- contrapuntalInterlocking independent melodies
- interdependenceReciprocal reliance between entities
- weavingInterlacing strands into fabric
density · complexity · interplay · meshing · overlapping · staggered · simultaneity
Hand-struck goblet drum
Suspended recreational seat
- bebopFast, complex jazz style
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
- compingImprovised chordal accompaniment
- brushworkPainter's stroke method
West African funk-jazz fusion
- Afro-CubanBlending African and Cuban
- BrazilianOf or from Brazil
- gamelanIndonesian percussive ensemble
- YorubaNigerian people and language
interlocking
Engaging by overlap
- phasingImplementing by stages
- superimpositionLayering one element over another
- displacementRemoval from usual location
subdivision · layering · ostinato · syncopation · offbeat · backbeat · anticipation · polymeter · grouping · accents
counterpoint
Simultaneous independent melodies
- polyphonySimultaneous independent melodic lines
- contrapuntalInterlocking independent melodies
- interdependenceReciprocal reliance between entities
weaving · density · complexity · interplay · meshing · overlapping · staggered · simultaneity
djembe
Hand-struck goblet drum
swing
Suspended recreational seat
- bebopFast, complex jazz style
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
- compingImprovised chordal accompaniment
Afrobeat
West African funk-jazz fusion
- Afro-CubanBlending African and Cuban
- BrazilianOf or from Brazil
- gamelanIndonesian percussive ensemble
meter
Device that measures usage