A Starter Guide to Understanding and Practicing the Polyrhythm
- Nathan Coles
- Oct 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 22
From mathematical concept to musical expression, learn how to understand, practice, and perform complex layered rhythms with insights from Black Swamp Artist Paolo Cimmino.
Have you ever listened to a piece of music where the rhythms feel like they are pulling in two different directions at once, creating a beautiful and complex tension? That captivating effect is often the result of a polyrhythm, a fundamental concept that can add incredible depth and sophistication to your playing. It might seem intimidating at first, but understanding the logic behind these layered rhythms is the first step toward performing them with musicality and confidence. In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials with world-class educator and performer Paolo Cimmino.
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Meet Your Instructor: Paolo Cimmino
Born in Naples, Black Swamp Artist, Paolo Cimmino is a passionate percussion educator and performer. After graduating in 1988, he spent twelve years as a member of the prestigious San Carlo Theatre Orchestra of Naples while simultaneously studying ethnic music and jazz. Today, Paolo teaches percussion at the G. Martucci Conservatoire in Salerno and gives masterclasses at renowned institutions across Europe, including the Royal College of Music in London and the Franz Liszt Hochschule fur Musik in Weimar. As a co-founder of the “Società Italiana Tamburi a Cornice,” he is a leading authority on frame drums and has published numerous acclaimed educational books and DVDs, including his latest work, "Le Percussioni in Orchestra."
What Exactly Is a Polyrhythm?
Simply put, a polyrhythm is the simultaneous use of two or more contrasting rhythms that are not easily divisible by each other. Imagine one musician clapping two steady beats in the same amount of time that another musician claps three steady beats. Their hands will line up at the very beginning, but in between, the rhythms weave in and out of alignment. This creates a complex, layered, and often tension-filled rhythmic texture. The most common example is the "3:2" (three-against-two) polyrhythm, which pits a group of three notes against a group of two.
The Feel of a Polyrhythm: A Deeper Dive
At its core, a polyrhythm is built on a few key ideas. First is the concept of simultaneous rhythmic layers, where two distinct patterns are happening at the same time. These patterns use different subdivisions of the beat—for instance, one part might be based on eighth notes (dividing the beat by two) while the other is based on triplets (dividing the beat by three).
This layering creates a unique kind of rhythmic friction. Unlike syncopation, which emphasizes off-beats within a single rhythmic framework, a polyrhythm creates a more profound "clash" because the strong pulses of each rhythm rarely coincide. This tension, however, always finds its resolution. The layers eventually realign on a downbeat, creating a satisfying sense of "coming home" that is both musically and psychologically powerful.
Mastering the Most Common Polyrhythm Types
To get started, let’s look at the two most foundational examples. You can follow along with Paolo’s demonstrations in the video above and download his complete PDF of exercises to begin your practice.
Download Paolo’s Polyrhythm Exercises Here:
The 3:2 (three-against-two) Polyrhythm
This is the most common polyrhythm, where three notes are played in the time it takes to play two. A great way to feel this is to tap steady quarter notes with your foot (representing the "2" side) and practice playing triplets with your hands against it (representing the "3" side).
In classical music, this effect is often referred to as a hemiola, a device where music written in a triple meter, like , temporarily feels like it's in a duple meter by grouping notes across the bar line.
The 4:3 (four-against-three) Polyrhythm
A bit more complex, the 4:3 polyrhythm involves playing four notes in the time it takes to play three. For example, you could play four even sixteenth notes with your right hand over a triplet figure in your left hand.
When approaching these, remember to start slowly. Isolate each hand and learn its rhythm perfectly against a metronome before you try to combine them.
Student Action Plan: How to Practice
Feeling the math is more important than just understanding it. Here is a step-by-step plan for internalizing any polyrhythm.
Isolate Each Part. Set your metronome to a slow tempo. Play only the first rhythm (e.g., the quarter notes of the "2" side in a ) until it is perfectly steady and comfortable. Do the same for the second rhythm (the triplets of the "3" side).
Use Verbal Cues. Speaking the rhythms can help internalize the feel. A common phrase for a polyrhythm is "Not dif-fi-cult." The bolded words line up with the two-note pulse, while the words "note, dif, and cult" represent the three-note pulse.
Combine Slowly. Begin playing the two parts together at a very slow tempo. Don't focus on the notes, but on the points where they intersect.
Listen and Adjust. Record yourself. Are the subdivisions even in both hands? Is one rhythm "winning" or rushing to catch up to the other? The goal is for both layers to remain independent and steady.
Keep Exploring the Rhythmic Universe
Mastering a polyrhythm is a journey from intellectual understanding to physical instinct. It requires patience, deep listening, and methodical practice. But once you can confidently execute these layered rhythms, you add a powerful new dimension to your musical expression. Keep practicing, stay curious, and continue expanding your skills by visiting the Black Swamp Percussion Education Hub for more lessons from artists like Paolo.
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