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Home > Guitar Composition & Songwriting

Guitar Songwriting - Understanding Meter and its Application
Guest teacher series
Zack Uidl
ZackUidl.com

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Polyrhythm and Polymeter

A polyrhythm is when two or more performers are playing the same time signature, but are playing different groupings/rhythms within that time signature.  For example if playing all eighth notes in 4/4 time, one guitarist could be playing 2+2+2+2 while the other could be playing 3+3+2. 

This example is in 3/4 and has the rhythm parts performing 2+2+2 while the guitars are playing 3+3.  (Note that the 3/4 meter is simple notated to show the accented beats of all instruments other than guitar and not notated to show pitch.)

6/8 and 3/4 time polyrhythm example

speakerListen to the 6/8 3/4 polyrhythm example

A polymeter is when two or more performers are playing different time signatures.  For example, one guitarist could be playing in 4/4 while the drummer could be playing in 9/8.  This is a great way to build massive amounts of tension in your song writing.

This example has the guitars, bass and lower body of the drummer performing in a 3/8 meter while the synth and upper body of the drummer is performing in a 4/4 meter. (Note that the 4/4 meter is simple notated to show the accented beats of all instruments other than guitar and not notated to show pitch.)

3/8 and 4/4 time polymeter example

speakerListen to the 3/8 4/4 polymeter example

back pick Page 2 - Compound Meter - Odd Meter

Page 4 - How to Apply Meter forward pick

Understanding Meter and its Application
Jump Zone

So What is Meter? - Simple Meter
Compound Meter - Odd Meter
Polyrhythm and Polymeter
How to Apply Meter

 

For more info about Zack Uidl, visit zackuidl.com



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