5:2 polyrhythm
A 5:2 polyrhythm means playing 5 notes in the time another voice plays 2. In each cycle the two only meet on the 1; every other note falls on a different point of a grid of 10 equal parts (10 is the lowest common multiple of 5 and 2).
50 BPM
Largo
4/4 (2+2) BPM in quarter notes
Space bar: play/stop
Practice Polyrhythm
13 steps · one round takes about 2 min 25 s
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 5:2
Count from 1 to 10, slowly and evenly. The 5 voice plays on 1, 3, 5, 7, 9; the 2 voice on 1, 6. Together they make the composite rhythm, on 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9.
Where the notes fall
| Grid | 5 voice | 2 voice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ● 1 | ● 1 |
| 3 | ● 2 | — |
| 5 | ● 3 | — |
| 6 | — | ● 2 |
| 7 | ● 4 | — |
| 9 | ● 5 | — |
How to practise
- Start with the pulse (2) nice and slow: 50 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 50 BPM on the 2 voice, the 5 voice moves at 125 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 5:2 mean?
5 notes of one voice in the time of 2 of the other. Say “5 against 2”. On this page the 2 voice is the pulse and the 5 voice fits over it.
What is the difference between 5:2 and 2:5?
The notes fall in the same places; what changes is which voice is the pulse. In 5:2 you feel 2 beats per cycle and fit 5 over them; in 2:5, the other way round.
Can I hear just one voice?
Yes: under “Hear”, choose only the 5 or only the 2. Both rows of lights keep going, so you can see where the other voice would land.