What a polyrhythm is and how to read it
Two rhythms at once, each with its own pulse. We show how they fit together —starting with the classic 3:2— and how to read the ring visualizer.
Two pulses at the same time
A polyrhythm is the combination of two or more rhythms sounding at once, each dividing the same span of time into a different number of pulses. In a 3:2, one voice plays 3 even pulses while the other plays 2, within the same bar. Both start together and meet again at the end of the cycle.
Reading a 3:2 (the hemiola)
The 3:2 is the most common polyrhythm and the best starting point. Picture the cycle split into 6 equal parts and count evenly.
- Count "1 2 3 4 5 6" steady, without rushing.
- The voice of 3 lands on 1, 3, and 5.
- The voice of 2 lands on 1 and 4.
- The "1" is the only point where both hit together.
The ring visualizer
In Cadence Polypulse each voice is a concentric ring that flashes right on its pulse. Watching the rings, you see the polyrhythm instead of only hearing it: you notice how one voice pulls ahead and falls behind the other, until they meet again at the start of the cycle.
How to practice it
- Pick a simple polyrhythm like 3:2 and a slow tempo.
- Listen for a few cycles following the rings, without playing.
- Add your voice: sing or tap the 3 first, then the 2.
- Once they lock in, raise the tempo gradually.