Layer 1
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PolyARK
Rhythm Lab
Four rhythms. One shared cycle. Build the groove in a single view.
4-layer sets
Layer 2
4 pulses
Layer 3
5 pulses
Layer 4
7 pulses
Four layers share one cycle. Click any step to create space; mute layers to hear the relationships clearly.
UNDERSTAND THE RHYTHM
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Hear more.
Open a topic when you need it. The rest stays quietly out of the way.
01What is polyrhythm?+
Polyrhythm is the simultaneous use of two or more rhythmic divisions inside the same time cycle. One layer might play three evenly spaced pulses while another divides that same duration into four. The tempo is shared; only the positions of the pulses are different.
02How is it different from polymeter?+
In polyrhythm, the layers divide one shared cycle in different ways. In polymeter, the bar lengths are different: a 3/4 bar and a 4/4 bar may run together and meet again after several measures. In short: polyrhythm uses different subdivisions; polymeter uses different bar lengths.
03How do you count 3:4?+
Divide the cycle into 12 equal parts and count from 1 to 12. Play the three-pulse layer on 1–5–9 and the four-pulse layer on 1–4–7–10. The first pulse is shared; the rhythms then separate and meet again at the beginning of the next cycle.
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● · · · ● · · · ● · · ·4● · · ● · · ● · · ● · ·04Drums and electronic music+
On drums, the foot can hold a steady four-pulse pattern while the hands play a three- or five-pulse phrase. In electronic music, a kick may loop every four steps while percussion, shakers, synths or effects move through 3, 5 or 7 steps. The result feels constantly evolving while remaining mathematically controlled.
05How do you build it with PolyARK?+
- Choose an independent layer for each rhythm.
- Give the layers different step counts such as 3, 4, 5 or 7.
- Choose sounds and switch off selected steps to create space.
- Mute layers one by one to hear how their relationships work.
06Listen to examples+
The high sound plays the upper division; the low sound holds the foundation. Headphones make the relationship easier to hear.