Hear and practise polyrhythms like 3 against 2, 4 against 3, 5 against 4 and 7 against 4. Each layer has its own sound and color on a circular visualizer, a counting grid shows exactly where the beats fall, and practice mode mutes a layer so you can check that you are holding it yourself.
Last updated:
Presets:
3 : 2
Press Start or the Space bar
Counting grid
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How to use the Polyrhythm Metronome
Pick a preset such as 3:2, or set the number of beats for each layer with the + and − buttons.
Set the tempo. The BPM is the speed of the layer 1 beats; one full cycle lasts as long as layer 1's beats.
Press Start (or the Space bar) and watch the hand sweep the circle: each dot lights up as its beat plays.
Follow the counting grid: count the numbers evenly and clap or tap where each colored row is filled.
Turn on practice mode to mute a layer in some cycles and keep playing it yourself in time.
Common polyrhythms and how to count them
Polyrhythm
Pulses per cycle
Layer 1 plays on
Layer 2 plays on
Where you hear it
3:2
6
1, 3, 5
1, 4
Hemiola in classical music, West African bell patterns, Afro-Cuban music
4:3
12
1, 4, 7, 10
1, 5, 9
Jazz and fusion drumming, Chopin and Brahms piano works
5:4
20
1, 5, 9, 13, 17
1, 6, 11, 16
Progressive rock, modern jazz soloing
5:3
15
1, 4, 7, 10, 13
1, 6, 11
Advanced drum and piano studies
7:4
28
every 4th pulse from 1
every 7th pulse from 1
Contemporary classical, progressive metal
4:3:2
12
1, 4, 7, 10
1, 5, 9 (layer 3: 1, 7)
Layered percussion grooves
The number of pulses is the least common multiple (LCM) of the beat counts. If a layer has n beats in a cycle of L pulses, it plays on every (L ÷ n)th pulse, starting on pulse 1. The tempo of layer 2 in beats per minute is the layer 1 tempo × (layer 2 beats ÷ layer 1 beats).
How to practise a polyrhythm
Listen first. Start at a slow tempo (60-80 BPM) and just listen to the combined pattern until you can hum it. 3:2 sounds like a gallop; 4:3 has a rolling feel.
Tap one layer, hear the other. Mute layer 1 and tap it on your leg while the metronome plays layer 2, then swap.
Both hands. Tap layer 1 with your right hand and layer 2 with your left, counting the grid numbers out loud.
Practice mode. Use "Mute layer 2 every other cycle" and keep the left hand going through the silent cycles.
Speed up gradually. Raise the tempo a few BPM at a time; once the pattern feels like one groove instead of two counts, you have it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a polyrhythm?
A polyrhythm is two or more different, evenly spaced beat divisions played over the same span of time. In 3:2 (three against two), one part plays three evenly spaced beats while another plays two in the same time. Both start together on beat one and only line up again at the start of the next cycle.
How do I count 3 against 2?
Count six even pulses (the least common multiple of 3 and 2): 1 2 3 4 5 6. The 3-beat layer plays on 1, 3 and 5 and the 2-beat layer on 1 and 4. Clap one rhythm with each hand while counting slowly, then speed up until it feels like a single pattern. The counting grid below the visualizer shows this for any ratio up to 64 pulses.
What tempo does the BPM refer to?
The BPM sets how fast layer 1's beats go. For example, at 90 BPM with 3:2, layer 1 plays 90 beats per minute, one cycle lasts 3 beats (2 seconds), and layer 2 plays 2 evenly spaced beats in those 2 seconds, which works out to 60 BPM.
What is the difference between a polyrhythm and a polymeter?
In a polyrhythm the different beat groupings share the same cycle length, so 3:2 always realigns every cycle. In a polymeter the beats are the same speed but the bar lengths differ (for example 3/4 against 4/4), so the downbeats realign only after several bars. This metronome plays polyrhythms.
How does practice mode help?
Playing along when every layer is audible can hide timing drift. Muting a layer in some cycles forces you to keep it going on your own; when the sound comes back you hear immediately whether you stayed in time. Start with every-other-cycle muting, then try random drops or the gradual fade.
Which polyrhythms should I learn first?
Most musicians start with 3:2 (common in African, Latin and jazz music), then 4:3, then 5:4 and 3:4 inverted. Odd ratios like 7:4 and 5:3 are good advanced exercises. Keep the tempo slow enough that every beat feels even before you speed up.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.