The Basics: 2′s & 3′s

When approaching the subject of rhythm I am going to use two building blocks – a short sound and a long sound. Each sound is made of small beats called subdivisions which are of equal size. The short sound contains two subdivisions and the long sound contains three subdivisions. From here forward I’ll refer to these two sound groups as 2′s and 3′s.

Before you continue practice combining groups of 2′s and 3′s by speaking the subdivisions and clapping the first of each grouping. Example: 2+2+3 – say “1,2-1,2-1,2,3″ as you clap each number “1.”

Next make up your own combinations…

And now clap some examples without speaking the internal subdivisions but internalizing them instead.

 Rhythmic Ratios/Polyrhythms

Any rhythmic ratio (polyrhythm) can be constructed using the basic building blocks of 2′s and 3′s. But first let’s start with the most common and simple of them all, 2:3.

2:3 or 2 Against 3

STEP 1: Tap 2′s. Tap just the first subdivision of each group of 2 while speaking all subdivisions. Then, switch from speaking 2′s to speaking 3′s while continuing to tap the same pattern of 2′s.

STEP 2: Continue tapping 2′s and counting 3′s. With your voice stress or accent the first subdivision of every group of 3.

STEP 3: Using your other hand begin tapping the accented 1 of every group of 3.

STEP 4: Stop counting out loud. Absorb the feeling and melody of the two groups sounding and moving together.

*You have now successfully tapped 2 against 3*

STEP 5: Tap 2′s first in one hand and then in the same fashion as before add 3′s in the other hand.

stop.

STEP 6: repeat step 5 but begin with 3′s then add 2′s.

stop.

STEP 7: Begin tapping both groupings at the same time.

Practice steps 5-7 often to internalize… 

It should be noted that when most people say 2 against 3 there referring to 2 occurrences of 3′s over 3 occurrences of 2′s.

Western Notation:

TO BE CONTINUED…

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