Polyrhythms in Prog Music

Erik Stein

My research takes place in the domain of drumming focusing on the world of polyrhythms; looking at how to integrate them in my own compositions but also how to use them in any kind of genre or situation. As for my experience, polyrhythms and groupings are extremely effective tools to sound more musical and more interesting; expanding the realm of popular patterns without losing the essence of the role of a drummer in today's western music. Motivated by curiosity, this research covers a 360 angle view of how to use them, focusing on grooves & rhythms - fills & Improvisation - multilayering rhythms and phrasing. Documentation and annotation will serve AV demonstrations for practical use and the involvement of carefully selected experts and peers will provide necessary feedback to stay on track. On a broader spectrum my findings can be translated to other players, inspire band members and open up doors for an alternative approach. Polyrhythms infused with dynamics and the right amount of dosing can sound easy and complex at the same time. This is what makes this subject not only part of a niche but can also be introduced to a wider audience. Researching mainly in the progressive rock domain, analyzing players such as Danny Carey, Gavin Harrison and Thomas Haake, my conclusions will be AV recordings and can be summarized in a ‘methodical’ overview.

Cycle 1

Reference recording

Chromosome midi data collection 1

Chromosome midi data collection 2

Hide & Seek midi data collection 1

Hide & Seek midi data collection 2

Temperature midi data collection 1

Chromosome Audio 1

Chromosome Audio 2

Hide & Seek Audio 1

Hide & Seek Audio 2

Temperature Audio 1

Temperature Audio 2

Survey 2 Video

Final outcome

Cycle 2

Reference Recording

Re-enactment Anesthetize 1

Re-enactment Anesthetize 2

Re-enactment groupings

Experimentation G3

Experimentation G5

Experimentation G4 triplets

Experimentation G5 triplets

Reference Rec. 2 Micro Polyrhythms

Cycle 3

Reference Recording

Outcome 2

Morse Phrasing Exercise / experimentation

Tip

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