The video embedded in this article is about 4 minutes long and will show you my method for learning polyrhythms. It focuses on 3 against 2, but the method will work for any two rhythms that you would like to work on being able to play simultaneously.
Here’s the video:
Try this out and see if it works for you. Like I mention in the video, the key is to be able to hear the polyrhythm clearly using a device (like a Dr Beat) and then slow it down so much that working out the mechanics is very easy. If you do that, ANY polyrhythm you want to learn will be approachable.
Let me know what you think.
Mark Feldman is a session drummer from NYC.
He first gained attention as one of the winners of Modern Drummer magazine's very first drum solo contest, judged by Rush's Neil Peart.
He's played with Oz Noy, Will Lee, Alison Krauss, Curtis Stigers, Emily Remler, Joel Hoekstra, GE Smith, Andy York, Marshall Crenshaw, Tony Shanahan, The Drifters, The Marvelettes, Big Brother and The Holding Company, and many other artists.
For more info: onlinesessiondrummer.com
He first gained attention as one of the winners of Modern Drummer magazine's very first drum solo contest, judged by Rush's Neil Peart.
He's played with Oz Noy, Will Lee, Alison Krauss, Curtis Stigers, Emily Remler, Joel Hoekstra, GE Smith, Andy York, Marshall Crenshaw, Tony Shanahan, The Drifters, The Marvelettes, Big Brother and The Holding Company, and many other artists.
For more info: onlinesessiondrummer.com
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Thanks
I play Latin jazz guitar with melody arrangements. I am a hobbyist. Would your rytmne machine help or What do you reccomends?
Hi Craig –
Thanks for writing.
What are your goals?
It’s hard to give any advice without knowing that…
Regards,
Mark F
mark
super cool
super clear
thanks for doing this. teaching is a virtue
dtm
Thanks David!
Much appreciated.
-Mark F
This is great info, Mark. Thanks a lot.
Hi Ray –
You’re welcome!
Thanks for reading.
Regards,
Mark F