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Guitar Tutorial

Jazz Polymeter Exercise

Instructor: Sean Conklin
Topic: Exercises
Style: Jazz
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  • Instructor: Sean Conklin Level: Intermediate Topic: Exercises Style: Jazz

    Excerpt: Hey folks! In this lesson, we're going to learn a jazz rhythm exercise that will help us get familiar with the concept of polymeter. Polymeter occurs when there are multiple time signatures being used simultaneously. For example, a guitarist might be playing a riff in 5/4 time, while a drummer might be playing a beat in 4/4 time. The use of polymeter can ad...

    Media Length: 2:28

  • Instructor: Sean Conklin Level: Intermediate Topic: Exercises Style: Jazz

    Excerpt: Here is the backing track at 129 bpm (beats per minute). Remember, do your best to be aware of the underlying 4/4 groove that the drums are playing, even though you're playing a riff in 7/8. If you ever record yourself playing along to the backing, be sure to post it in the forums!

    Media Length: 1:31

  • Instructor: Sean Conklin Level: Intermediate Topic: Exercises Style: Jazz

    Excerpt: Here is the backing track at 100 bpm. Remember, do your best to be aware of the underlying 4/4 groove that the drums are playing, even though you're playing a riff in 7/8. If you ever record yourself playing along to the backing, be sure to post it in the forums!

    Media Length: 1:57