4:3 polyrhythm
A 4:3 polyrhythm means playing 4 notes in the time another voice plays 3. In each cycle the two only meet on the 1; every other note falls on a different point of a grid of 12 equal parts (12 is the lowest common multiple of 4 and 3).
60 BPM
Larghetto
4/4 (2+2) BPM in quarter notes
Space bar: play/stop
Practice Polyrhythm
13 steps · one round takes about 2 min 25 s
Say along: “pass the golden butter”
The start of each group is accented.
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Counts the time the metronome is playing, on any metronome page. It stays on this device only: nothing is sent anywhere.
How to count 4:3
Count from 1 to 12, slowly and evenly. The 4 voice plays on 1, 4, 7, 10; the 3 voice on 1, 5, 9. Together they make the composite rhythm, on 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10.
Where the notes fall
| Grid | 4 voice | 3 voice | Phrase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ● 1 | ● 1 | pass |
| 4 | ● 2 | — | the |
| 5 | — | ● 2 | gol |
| 7 | ● 3 | — | den |
| 9 | — | ● 3 | but |
| 10 | ● 4 | — | ter |
The phrase to remember
Drummers learn 4 against 3 with “pass the golden butter”: the six syllables land on the six notes of the composite rhythm, and “pass” is the 1, with both voices together. See the “Phrase” column in the table.
How to practise
- Start with the pulse (3) nice and slow: 60 BPM or less.
- Under “Hear”, leave only one voice on and play the other; then swap.
- Tap one voice with each hand (or hand and foot) and count the grid out loud.
- Once it is solid, raise the BPM or count the other voice instead.
The BPM of each voice
At 60 BPM on the 3 voice, the 4 voice moves at 80 BPM. Under “BPM counts” you can move the number to the other voice: the number changes, the speed does not.
Frequently asked questions
What does 4:3 mean?
4 notes of one voice in the time of 3 of the other. Say “4 against 3”. On this page the 3 voice is the pulse and the 4 voice fits over it.
What is the difference between 4:3 and 3:4?
The notes fall in the same places; what changes is which voice is the pulse. In 4:3 you feel 3 beats per cycle and fit 4 over them; in 3:4, the other way round.
Can I hear just one voice?
Yes: under “Hear”, choose only the 4 or only the 3. Both rows of lights keep going, so you can see where the other voice would land.