Mini-notation polymeter requires the {…}%n form; without %n it uses the first group's length

To create polymeter in mini-notation you must use the {…}%n form, where n sets the steps-per-cycle for all groups. “{bd sn, hh hh hh}” without the %n falls back to the length of the first group, so the second group does not phase against it as intended. Adding %n — for example {bd sn, hh hh hh}%4 — makes each comma-separated group cycle at n steps, so groups of different lengths drift out of phase to produce polymeter. Forgetting %n silently yields a plain aligned stack instead.

Examples

“{bd sn, hh hh hh}%4” // polymeter: both groups read at 4 steps/cycle, phase apart “{bd sn, hh hh hh}” // no %n: uses first group length — no polymeter

Assessment

Why does “{bd sn, hh hh hh}” not produce polymeter, and what must you add to get it?