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Tuned InFebruary �5, 2008

An Introduction to Polyrhythms

By Scott Blanchard

In this edition of the Theory Corner, we’ll take a look at an excerpt from drum maestro Pete Sweeney’s book, The Complete Drumset Method: Intermediate Drumset, available through Alfred Publishing. In this excerpt, Pete will introduce quarter- and half-note triplets, which can be used to create polyrhythms. He’ll also offer you some great tips to help you get these rhythms down fast! You’ll learn how to play 3-against-2 feel and a 3-against-4 feel. These are common rhythmic figures that create totally unique effects and are not difficult to perform. These ideas aren’t just for percussionists; any musician will benefit from them. Understanding polyrhythms and adding them to your playing will help keep your music from becoming repetitive and monotonous. They can be used to transition from one section to another or as an integral part of a riff or lick—use your imagination.

Sweeney’s quick-and-easy explanations and practical examples make this book a great addition to not only a drummer’s collection, but to anyone looking to spice up their rhythm chops. For non-drummers, I suggest playing any note or strumming any chord and working through the examples. Demystify these awesome ideas today. The book in-cludes a CD so you can easily follow along with all the examples. Speaking of audio, be sure to listen to the sample tracks included in this document. Check it out!

Chapter 6: Triplet RhythmsKnowledge of triplet rhythms is essential and will open up new possibilities to you for playing grooves, fills or solos. To get started, let’s take a look at each member of the triplet family.

Quarter-Note TripletsThe quarter-note triplet can be thought of as playing every other note of an eighth-note triplet to create a new rhythm.

One way to arrive at playing the quarter-note triplet is to play eighth-note triplets with a single-stroke roll sticking, accenting every other note. This is done simply by accenting all of the right-hand strokes. Then, replace unaccented notes with rests, and you have quarter-note triplets.

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In the following example, we will play the left hand on the snare and the right hand on the floor tom. When that becomes comfortable, take away the left hand and continue with the right. The right hand is playing quarter-note triplets.

Quarter-Note Triplet ExercisesThese reading exercises will help you become more familiar with quarter-note triplets.

3:2 and 6:4 PolyrhythmsPlaying quarter-note triplets with one limb and regular quarter notes with another limb results in a polyrhythm. A polyrhythm is by definition two or more rhythms played simultaneously. Let’s start by having the bass drum play four quarter notes while the hands play quarter-note triplets. The hands will be playing three notes for every two beats (three in the time of two, or 3:2) or six notes for every four beats (six in the time of four, 6:4).

/ 4

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With Rests = Quarter-Note Triplets

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R L R L R L

With Accents= 100 œ

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= 100 œ

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= 92 œ

Track 1

A

B

Track 2

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In the first measure of the following exercise, the right hand plays quarter-note triplets on the floor tom while the left hand plays quarter notes on the snare drum. When you can do this, reverse the rhythms in the hands and play the second measure of the exercise.

Playing a half-note triplet is like accenting every fourth note in a measure of eighth-note triplets. You can also think of it as playing every other note of two quarter-note triplets.

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R L R L R L= 116 œ

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= 92 œ

Half-Note TripletsThe half-note triplet is three evenly spaced notes in the time of two half notes (four beats).

/ 4

4 ..

3

˙ ˙ ˙

= 116 œ

Here are some reading exercises to help you become more familiar with the half-note triplet. Practice with a metronome to achieve the correct placement of the rhythms.

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3

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3

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= 116 œ

Track 3

A

B

C

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ConclusionFor more information on triplets and polyrhythms, be sure to check out the Licks and Tricks section of this newsletter for some cool examples you can play with a full band or solo for extra practice. If this is up your alley, order Pete Sweeney’s book, The Complete Drumset Method: Intermediate Drumset, at www.ordermusictoday.com. In addition, be sure to visit Pete Sweeney at www.WorkshopLive.com today!

For some more insight on triplets, polyrhythms and other more advanced rhythmic and meter-related concepts, guitarists will want to check out the advanced rock guitar lessons “Advanced/Odd Time” taught in three levels by Tobias Hurwitz and Dave Martone.

Not a guitarist? Bassists will enjoy the intermediate rock lesson “Quarter-Note Triplet,” taught by Tracy Walton, as well as “Half-Note Triplets” and “Half-Note Triplet Groove,” taught by Chris Kuffner and Matt Scharfglass. In addition, be sure to check out “Rhythm Monster,” also taught by Kuffner and Scharfglass.

Have fun and practice hard—more coming right up!