Generate Polyrhythms - Hear, visualize and export rhythms like 3:2 and 3:4 as MIDI.


A polyrhythm is when two or more rhythms divide the same bar into different numbers of equal parts. This free Polyrhythm Generator lets you hear and visualize common polyrhythms such as 3:2, 3:4 and 5:4, helping you understand how independent rhythms interact within the same musical phrase.

Choose two or three rhythms below and press play. The sequencer shows exactly where each hit falls within the bar, making it easier to hear, see and experiment with polyrhythms in real time. When you find a pattern you like, export it as a MIDI file and drag it straight into your DAW.

Choose two or three rhythms below and press play. Each track divides the same bar differently, while still starting and ending together.
Quick start:
3
:
4
3:4 PolyrhythmTrack A divides the bar into 3 equal parts while Track B divides the same bar into 4 equal parts. Both rhythms start together, move against each other, then resolve together at the start of the next bar. In this pattern, the rhythms meet once per bar.
Tip: press the space bar to play or stop.
1
2
3
4
3×
4×
3 : 4 One bar shared by independent rhythms
12 subdivisions Smallest grid needed to show both rhythms exactly
1 meeting point Red dots show where rhythms strike together
Track A — 3 per bar
Track B — 4 per bar
Coinciding hits
Export as MIDI Download the current pattern as a .mid file with each rhythm on its own track, at your chosen tempo. Drag it into Ableton, Logic, FL Studio, Bitwig or any DAW.
Notes follow each track's sound, using the General MIDI drum map: Track A → Kick (C1 / 36), Track B → Clap (D#1 / 39).


Common Polyrhythm Examples

Not sure where to start? Try these common ratios:

  • 2:3 - Often used in African percussion, Latin grooves and cross-rhythms.
  • 3:4 - One of the most common polyrhythms in jazz, electronic music and progressive rhythms.
  • 4:5 - Useful for rolling percussion, evolving techno sequences and synth patterns.
  • 5:4 - Creates a more complex rhythmic feel while still remaining musical.
  • 7:4 - Good for experimental rhythms and long evolving patterns.


Using Polyrhythms In Music Production

Polyrhythms can be applied to drums, percussion, basslines, melodies, arpeggiators and delay effects. By layering rhythms with different divisions, producers can create movement and tension without changing the underlying tempo or time signature.

For example, a simple 3:4 polyrhythm can add movement to a repetitive four-to-the-floor groove. One rhythm keeps the listener grounded while the other creates a shifting pattern that feels more dynamic and evolving.

Exporting Polyrhythms As MIDI

Use the MIDI export to take any pattern from the generator straight into your DAW. Each rhythm is saved on its own track, so you can split them onto separate instruments, swap the sounds or edit individual hits. Choose Drum kit mapping to trigger a drum rack or GM kit, or Melodic notes to drive synths, samplers and arpeggiators. Odd divisions like 5 and 7 per bar are placed at high resolution, so they stay tight even though they fall between the usual grid lines.

Looking for ready-made MIDI patterns? Browse our Polyrhythm MIDI Collection.


You can also experiment with rhythmic echoes using our Polyrhythm Delay Calculator, or learn more in our guide covering what polyrhythms are and how producers use them.

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