Study in Cross-Rhythms         Download PDF worksheet

What are they?

Cross-rhythms are produced by playing an odd grouping of notes in sequence over multiple measures. Odd groupings are determined by knowing the time signature, choosing a note value, and utilizing simple math.

For example, In 4/4 time, if we use groupings of sixteenth notes we get a maximum of sixteen notes per measure. Divide sixteen by the grouping --if the result is not even than you have yourself a potential cross-rhythm. So in this example, any number besides 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 can produce a cross-rhythm.

Sixteenth note groupings in 4/4 time:

You can also combine groupings so long as the total combination does not equal sixteen for the measure: For example this grouping sequence would NOT produce a cross-rhythm:

3,3,5,5

However, this grouping sequence would:

3,3,3,5

Another example is if we use eighth notes in 6/8 time --then we get a maximum of six notes per measure. Now we have to divide 6 by the grouping and we get less grouping combinations to work with here.

Eighth note groupings in 6/8 time:

Where does the "cross" come in to play?

The main differenciation between polyrhtyhms and cross rhythms are the downbeats. The downbeats of a polyrhthym (two or more rhythms played simultaneiously) coincide with one another. Cross rhythms are known for "crossing" over bar lines --the first beat in a cross over grouping might not coincide with the downbeat for many measures. If you want to know how many meausres it takes to resolve the accent on the downbeat then do the following:

Choose a note vaule (ie. sixteenth, eigths)and write down the maximum number of notes that fit into one measure. Then find and choose your odd grouping number and write it down below what you documented for the max amount of notes. With the fraction you just created now find the lowest common denominator.

For the sixteenth note groupings of 3 in 4/4 time:

16
3
---
48 = LCD --which means the cross rhtyhm played consecutively will take three full measures (48 sixteenth notes = 3 measures in 4/4) before it coincides with the downbeat.

For the eigth note groupings of 4 in 6/8 time:

6  x 2 = 12
4  x 3 = 12
---
12 = LCD --which means the cross rhtyhm played consecutively will only take two full measures before coinciding with the downbeat every third measure.

For Here is a PDF worksheet that has groupings of 3's, 5's and 7's in 4/4 time. The accents were left out of the last one (7s) for you to fill out. There is also space to write out your own stickings and footings using either [R] [L] [HH] or Bass Drum.