This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the January 2016 issue, which is available here.

Strictly Technique

Quintuplets

Part 2: Polyrhythms With Fives

Last month we got acquainted with quintuplets by using accent patterns and transitions with familiar rhythms. In this lesson we’ll superimpose quintuplets across two beats using a five-over-two polyrhythm and across three beats using a five-over-three polyrhythm.

As always, use your metronome, tap your foot, and count the rhythms out loud, making sure the downbeats line up perfectly. Try counting quarter notes as you play. Once you’re comfortable and the rhythms feel smooth, you’ll have much more to say behind the kit.

Check out a video demo below.

Bill Bachman

For the complete lesson with transcriptions, check out the January 2016 issue, which is available here.