5:4 polyrhythm
A 5:4 polyrhythm means playing 5 notes in the time another voice plays 4. In each cycle the two only meet on the 1; every other note falls on a different point of a grid of 20 equal parts (20 is the lowest common multiple of 5 and 4).
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 5:4
Count from 1 to 20, slowly and evenly. The 5 voice plays on 1, 5, 9, 13, 17; the 4 voice on 1, 6, 11, 16. Together they make the composite rhythm, on 1, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 17.
Where the notes fall
| Grid | 5 voice | 4 voice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ● 1 | ● 1 |
| 5 | ● 2 | — |
| 6 | — | ● 2 |
| 9 | ● 3 | — |
| 11 | — | ● 3 |
| 13 | ● 4 | — |
| 16 | — | ● 4 |
| 17 | ● 5 | — |
How to practise
- Start with the pulse (4) 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 4 voice, the 5 voice moves at 75 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 5:4 mean?
5 notes of one voice in the time of 4 of the other. Say “5 against 4”. On this page the 4 voice is the pulse and the 5 voice fits over it.
What is the difference between 5:4 and 4:5?
The notes fall in the same places; what changes is which voice is the pulse. In 5:4 you feel 4 beats per cycle and fit 5 over them; in 4:5, the other way round.
Can I hear just one voice?
Yes: under “Hear”, choose only the 5 or only the 4. Both rows of lights keep going, so you can see where the other voice would land.