Cross rhythm

Definition

1. Term used to describe the effect of two notes being played against three (eg in piano music it might be groups of two quavers in the right hand and groups of triplets in the left).
2. The term is also used to describe the effect that occurs when the accents in a piece of music are different from those suggested by the time signature (eg the division of 4/4 time into 3+3+2 quavers).

Musical notation showing groups of two notes being played against groups of three

Musical notation showing accents that are different from those suggested by the time signature

Examples

This jazz piece is in 9/8 time but features divisions of 2+2+2+3 (instead of the usual 3+3+3).

Related concepts

• 3 against 2 (H)