Polyrhythm vs. Polymeter (feat. Stranger Things soundtrack inspired examples)

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Polyrhythms, polymeters, pollywogs... these are Strange Things, right? Wrong! They're our friends, well, only when you take the time to get to know them.

After our "Polymeter Bass" video last week, our inbox filled up with questions about the difference between polyrhythms and polymeters, so we decided to make a lesson on this oft-misunderstood topic!

In this Hack Music Theory video, Ray uses a Stranger Things soundtrack inspired synth chord progression and bass line as the foundation to write two versions of the same melody: one is polyrhythmic, and one is polymetric. He teaches the theory along the way, and finishes with an epic A/B comparison of a polyrhythm and a polymeter, so you can finally hear and know the difference. Click play now and say goodbye to all your poly-confusion. But first... tea!

Lastly, if you'd like us to teach you how to write great songs from start to finish, then join our online apprenticeship program at Patreon.com/RevolutionHarmony (select ARTIST tier). Over the last couple weeks, we've covered how to write a new section for an existing section, how to transition between a verse and a chorus, as well as how to write the vocal melody that your chord progression wants!

We really hope you dig our new music theory lesson, and if you wanna get your hands on all the vital theory hacks you need to write great songs, then please download our Hack Music Theory for Songwriting & Producing PDF (click & scroll down).

Thank you for being brave and committing to make the world a better place through better music. Until next week, happy songwriting & producing!

Ray Harmony - Victoria BC, Canada
Songwriter, Producer, Teacher & Author
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