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Fact File: Polyrhythms

The term Polyrhythm refers to the systematic exploitation of different rhythms performed simultaneously. If the sum of two or more simultaneously sounding rhythms results in a subdivision of the beat that is not present in either of the constituting rhythms, this resultant rhythm is called polyrhythmic.

To qualify as a polyrhythm, the contributing rhythms should be chosen such that the numbers denoting their rhythmic relation, are relatively prime to each other.

Two different rhythmic patterns played simultaneously do not result in a polyrhythm if one of those rhythms can be contained in the subdivision of the beat that is implied by the other rhythm

A major consideration is that to qualify as a polyrhythm, the two constituting rhythms should be clearly heard and felt as separate rhythms, each with their own properties!

See also:-
blue notes | syncopation | swing | call and response | improvisation

Related Topics - Jazz History:-
Jazz Roots | Early 20th Century Jazz | Jazz in 1920s to 1950s | Development of Bebop | Latin Jazz | Jazz Fusion | Recent Developments in Jazz
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