Many polyrhythms and polymeters (simultaneous combinations of more than one rhythmic pattern) exist in today's music, with some being so common they could be referred to as rhythm licks. This book presents a unique and comprehensive approach to polymetric applications of various rhythms over common chord progressions and song forms in 3/4 and 4/4, written primarily for instruments with chordal capabilities. Non-chordal instrumentalists interested in rhythmic development and contemporary phrasing may also benefit. Polymetric rhythms will force a variety of harmonic anticipations and delays which can have a profound and beneficial effect on harmonic, melodic, and improvisational phrasing. In addition, the focused attention and expanded awareness needed to master these exercises can also help in your sensitivity and response to the surrounding environment and your interactions with other musicians and audience.

Time for the Future

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 4

Percussive Attack Additions .......................................................................................................................... 5

Percussive Exercises ...................................................................................................................................... 8

Study Tips .................................................................................................................................................... 12

Polymeters over 4/4 ..................................................................................................................................... 13

3/4 and 6/8 over 4/4 ..................................................................................................................................... 13

6/4 and 12/8 over 4/4 ................................................................................................................................... 36

12/4 over 4/4 ................................................................................................................................................ 67

5/8, 5/4, and 10/4 over 4/4 ........................................................................................................................... 79

5/4 over 4/4 .................................................................................................................................................. 83

10/4 over 4/4 ................................................................................................................................................ 92

7/8 and 7/4 over 4/4 ..................................................................................................................................... 96

7/4 over 4/4 .................................................................................................................................................. 99

9/8 and 9/4 over 4/4 ................................................................................................................................... 111

9/4 over 4/4 ................................................................................................................................................ 119

Polymeters over 3/4 ................................................................................................................................... 126

2/4 over 3/4 ................................................................................................................................................ 128

4/4 over 3/4 ................................................................................................................................................ 137

8/4 over 3/4 ................................................................................................................................................ 146

9/8 and 9/4 over 3/4 ................................................................................................................................... 158

9/4 over 3/4 ................................................................................................................................................ 169

5/8, 5/4, and 15/8 over 3/4 ......................................................................................................................... 180

5/4 over 3/4 ................................................................................................................................................ 182

15/8 over 3/4 .............................................................................................................................................. 188

7/8 and 7/4 over 3/4 ................................................................................................................................... 192

7/4 over 3/4 ................................................................................................................................................ 194

Triplets and Quadruplets ............................................................................................................................ 204

Triplets ....................................................................................................................................................... 204

Quadruplets ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 211

Melodic/Harmonic Considerations ............................................................................................................ 217

Melodic/Harmonic Polymeters over 4/4 .................................................................................................... 217

Melodic/Harmonic Polymeters over 3/4 .................................................................................................... 227

Continuing Polymetric Studies .................................................................................................................. 234

Additional meters over 3/4 and 4/4 ........................................................................................................... 234

Common meters over odd meters .............................................................................................................. 236

Beyond Triplets and Quadruplets .............................................................................................................. 239

Biography .................................................................................................................................................. 240