How to Play a 3 Against 2 Fingerstyle Pattern
A polyrhythm is when two different rhythms are played at the same time, like a steady “1, 2” with a triplet (“1, 2, 3”) going along on top. I found myself playing this fingerstyle pattern without planning to, and it sounded cool enough that I thought someone might want to learn it. So here it is, step by step.
What I cover:
- What a polyrhythm is
- The triplet pattern with the i and m fingers
- Adding the bass note
- Adding a note in between
- Practicing it with a metronome
The left hand stays simple. It’s based on an E chord, holding down the 1st fret on the 3rd string and letting the open 2nd string ring. On top, the picking fingers (i and m) play a three-note pattern, which is the triplet.
Underneath that, add a bass note on the 6th string, which gives you the “1, 2” feel. Get the two layers going together without changing the left hand first. Then add the extra note in between to fill out the pattern.
To practice, set a metronome slow. I tapped in a tempo and it came out at 49, so I rounded it to 50 bpm. You’ll notice the bass note feels a little separate from the other notes, and that’s what gives a polyrhythm its sound.
Want to write the pattern out as you learn it? Grab my free blank TAB and staff paper (PDF).
More fingerstyle: Guitar Fingerstyle Technique: Accents | Fingerstyle Guitar Bad Habits