Musician's Phrasebook

Polyrhythm

Rhythm & Time

Two different rhythms played at the same time, like 3 beats over 2 (a “3 against 2”).

Why it matters

Common in African, Latin, and progressive music — it makes a groove feel like it's spinning in two directions at once.

“The drummer's playing a 3-over-2 polyrhythm under that riff.”