5:3 polyrhythm
A 5:3 polyrhythm means playing 5 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 15 equal parts (15 is the lowest common multiple of 5 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
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 5:3
Count from 1 to 15, slowly and evenly. The 5 voice plays on 1, 4, 7, 10, 13; the 3 voice on 1, 6, 11. Together they make the composite rhythm, on 1, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13.
Where the notes fall
| Grid | 5 voice | 3 voice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ● 1 | ● 1 |
| 4 | ● 2 | — |
| 6 | — | ● 2 |
| 7 | ● 3 | — |
| 10 | ● 4 | — |
| 11 | — | ● 3 |
| 13 | ● 5 | — |
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 5 voice moves at 100 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 5:3 mean?
5 notes of one voice in the time of 3 of the other. Say “5 against 3”. On this page the 3 voice is the pulse and the 5 voice fits over it.
What is the difference between 5:3 and 3:5?
The notes fall in the same places; what changes is which voice is the pulse. In 5:3 you feel 3 beats per cycle and fit 5 over them; in 3:5, the other way round.
Can I hear just one voice?
Yes: under “Hear”, choose only the 5 or only the 3. Both rows of lights keep going, so you can see where the other voice would land.