Polyrhythm sounds two conflicting subdivisions at once, creating a rolling tension that resolves periodically

Polyrhythm layers two conflicting subdivisions over the same span — 3-against-4 or 5-against-4 — so two different beat divisions sound simultaneously. The two streams pull against each other, creating a rich, rolling tension that resolves only when they periodically realign. It is typically applied to percussion and hi-hats for hypnotic complexity. Polyrhythm differs from polymeter: polyrhythm conflicts the subdivision (how the same span is divided) within a shared bar length, whereas polymeter keeps the pulse but conflicts the bar lengths so patterns phase against each other.

Examples

3-against-4 on hats: three evenly-spaced hits over the same bar as four evenly-spaced hits. Strudel: s(‘hh3, hh4’) sounds both divisions at once.

Assessment

Explain the difference between polyrhythm and polymeter. For a 3-against-4 polyrhythm, describe where the two streams coincide and why the tension resolves periodically.