advanced · LCM = 15
Three against five — more angular than 3:4, with an LCM of 15.
Pattern — 15 subdivisions per cycle
Mute one layer to focus on the other. LCM = 15 subdivisions per cycle.
About 3:5
3:5 creates 8 distinct attack points across a 15-subdivision cycle. The ratio sounds more dissonant and rhythmically 'jagged' than 3:4 because the two layers diverge more before reconverging. Used in modern composition and avant-garde jazz.
LCM of 3 and 5 is 15 subdivisions per cycle.
Verbal mnemonic
"now I un-der-stand it"
Practice levels
Hear the combined pattern with visual highlighting
Start →Identify which ratio you're hearing from a short list
Start →Identify with one layer muted — hear the implied pattern
Start →Identify ratio, muted layer, and tempo simultaneously
Start →Examples in music
Various Contemporary Pieces
20th Century Classical
Elliott Carter's polyrhythm work