Tidal's mini-notation parses polymetric rhythms from strings using square and curly bracket operators

Tidal includes a string parser inspired by Bol Processor syntax that converts terse string notation into nested polymetric Pattern values. Square brackets [p1, p2] combine patterns by repetition (lowest common multiple period); curly brackets {p1, p2} combine by padding (interleaving events with rests). Atoms can be rests ~, individual events, or recursively nested sub-sequences (...). This notation allows complex rhythmic structures to be typed in real time. Strudel inherits this mini-notation directly, making it one of the most widely used live coding notations today.

Examples

draw "[black blue green, orange red]" — a 6-step polymetric pattern. draw "{black blue green, orange red}" — padded combination. draw "[{black grey, orange}, red green]" — nested polymeter.

Assessment

Write Tidal/Strudel mini-notation for: (a) a kick on beats 1 and 3 against hi-hats on all four beats; (b) a 3-against-4 polyrhythm. Explain the difference between [...] and {...} in terms of period alignment.