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How to practise with the polyrhythm generator
A polyrhythm combines evenly spaced pulse patterns across one shared span. In 4:3, four attacks fit into the same time as three. Start with 3:2 or 4:3, choose two distinct sounds and press Play. The default BPM reference is the second number; Voices & sound lets you change which side sets the tempo.
- Hear the base. Use Hear Base and tap its pulse in your foot. Choose a tempo you can keep comfortably.
- Learn the counter. Use Hear Counter and sing or clap that part evenly before adding it to the base.
- Find the combined pattern. Select Both. Clock shows the cycle; Grid shows the exact attacks and shared slots.
- Carry a part yourself. Mute one voice or open Tap along. Keep going for several cycles before increasing the tempo.
Go from listening to playing
Tap along and get feedback
Use the pads or F and J keys to play the two parts. Tap along compares your attacks with the pattern and shows early, late, missed and extra hits. Work on one part first, then both; use the feedback to choose a comfortable practice tempo.
Make a daily practice habit
Today’s rhythm gives you a ratio, tempo and tap-along goal. Finish the target to record the day and build a local streak. Return to difficult patterns until they feel steady.
Chain ratios into a sequence
Sequence arranges ratios into blocks with a bar count and an optional tempo for each. One bar here is one complete cycle of that ratio. Loop the set or play it once, then use Sequence’s Copy link action to share it.
Add a third or fourth voice
Open Voices & sound and use Add layer to put another pulse count into the same cycle. Give it a distinct sound while learning the two main parts. The 3:4:5 lesson opens with all three voices ready.
Keep a rhythm for your next session
Share copies a preset with the pulse, tempo, sound, mix, view and extra-voice settings. Download MIDI or MusicXML for a DAW or score, WAV or MP3 for listening, and SVG, PNG or PDF for a visual reference. The free practice-pack PDF adds a counting note, preset link and five-minute drill. Export length sets the download’s cycle count; live playback continues looping.
Before you start
- Is the polyrhythm generator free?
- The core instrument, tap-along practice, preset sharing and individual exports are free. You can play without an account. See Web Pro details for optional rehearsal packs and current availability.
- Why does changing the BPM reference change the speed?
- BPM follows the selected voice. At 60 BPM, 4:3 lasts three seconds when the three is the reference, or four seconds when the four is. Use the listening buttons to isolate a part while keeping the same reference.
- How should I set swing and offset while learning?
- Start with swing, offset and humanize at zero for evenly spaced layers. Swing delays alternating counter attacks; offset shifts counter timing relative to the base. Introduce one change at a time once the straight pattern feels stable.
Lessons for each ratio
Every common cross-rhythm has its own page with the counting grid, the timings at practice tempos, where you hear it and an eight-step practice ladder. The guide goes deeper, with interactive lessons and a printable practice sheet.