What is a polyrhythm? Well, "poly" means "many" and "rhythm" means "rhythm" (duh!), therefore, the word polyrhythm literally means "many rhythms". So, if we want to execute a polyrhythm, that means that we'll be playing multiple rhythms at the same time. Now this could refer to a wide variety of things, for example, any drum set groove that requires more than 2 limbs is technically, by definition, a polyrhythm. This however, is not what is generally meant by the term.
Most often when musicians talk about polyrhythms, they are referring to the idea of performing two or more different subdivisions at the same time. For example, the most basic of all polyrhythms is what is known as 3 on 2. What this means to us as drummers, is that one of our limbs will be playing eighth notes while the other plays triplets. SIMULTANEOUSLY! Dun dun dun...
The easiest way to learn this for the first time is to relate to a Christmas song that we all know - Carol of the Bells. (look it up if you don't know it) The beginning melody of this song can be interpreted as a 3 on 2 polyrhythm. The sticking that we'll use to execute this is going to be; Both Right Left Right, and if you didn't happen to look up (or already know) the song, then the rhythm to play this sticking in is 1 2&3. (in 3/4 time) Practice this a BUNCH. Do it until it's easier to do it right than it is to do it wrong. It should be effortless.
When you can perform this solidly and consistently, practice reversing the sticking to; Both Left Right Left, keeping the rhythm the same. As a drummer, you'll want to learn to do everything with both hands leading. Having this coordination will open up a whole new world of creativity on the drum set. As with the last sticking - practice until you can't make a mistake anymore.
The last direction to take this one is to learn to coordinate every combination of two limbs with it. These combinations are as follows:
Right Hand & Left Hand
Right Foot & Left Foot
Right Hand & Right Foot
Left Hand & Left Foot
Right Hand & Left Foot
Left Hand & Right Foot
These are the only possible six combinations of two limbs! (File this in the back of your mind. We'll be using it a lot more as we attempt more challenging coordinations.) Also, make sure you reverse the sticking/footing for each of these combos after you get it down one way.
Happy practicing!
Aaron Reinhard
Aaron has been playing drums for 16 years and teaching for the last 8. He has taught hundreds of students from ages 2 to 72 successfully and is the owner of The K.I.S.S. Drum Method.
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