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 and touring drummer based in 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 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.
His band, Mark Feldman's LEVEL5, released their debut, "The Sybil EP," in 2019. The EP features Oz Noy on guitar and Will Lee on bass.
For more info: linktr.ee/markfeldman
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 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.
His band, Mark Feldman's LEVEL5, released their debut, "The Sybil EP," in 2019. The EP features Oz Noy on guitar and Will Lee on bass.
For more info: linktr.ee/markfeldman
Latest posts by Mark Feldman (see all)
- Milking Your Drum Licks Dry 2: Permutations - September 20, 2020
- Some Thoughts on Push Pull Drumming Technique - September 11, 2020
- The Benny Greb Clave Challenge - September 3, 2020
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