How to Write Djent Style Polymeters

Tech/Progressive metal applies polyrhythms to achieve a complex texture of rhythms. This particular example of a quarter note pulse against a syncopated riff is very common. We're playing in 5/4 overall with the main motif being 5/8. Halfway through the example we apply a quarter note pulse (2/4) against this.
Addison Kurt / themuyaki
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[@zamkowicz]

"Metal is not a real genre, just call it rock because that's what it is!" -somebody in the 1970s, probably

[@traindiesel7005]

hahaha thank you! i don't get the 'purist' djent hate. how is it not a valid genre? especially as you make a video highlighting one of the characteristics of that 'non-existent' genre. even you classify it as that! oh, djent is a stupid word? not like rock and roll? or boogie woogie? or skunk? or shoe gazing? or punk? or heavy metal for that matter?

[@seanc143]

train diesel damn when you put it that way, its kinda funny to think about haha like "boogie woogie" or "shoe gaze" even. kinda makes hearing and ready heavy metal kinda silly haha.

[@seanc143]

which in this case djent would look like a foreign language to me which is pretty cool. The word doesnt sound stupid to me and the music is badass.

[@pattyoneill91]

actually i personally think its all just jazz lol i mean think about. when did we decide to imprison jazz in a box and restric it such xD

[@seanc143]

0kIlLtHeMuSiC 0 Lol hey, I'm sold on that!

[@Thelonelyscavenger]

I agree. Many bands including Tool accent the 1 & 3 when playing in 5. It's probably the most rhythmic way to play 5. Great lesson!

[@Joe_Gasson]

Djent sure is popular for a "non-existent sub-genre".

[@Surbhitprasoonsingh96]

MrGasson welcome to 2018

[@khayrobs]

Well considering it's associated with meshugah and they barely used gain, all these polyrhythmic mid to high gain sounds that sound nothing like that band... Kinda makes you think if it's even real. I know. It's like when you found out santa wasn't real. It's a tough life

[@JakeMcGuiremusic]

Say it.... just say it... Djent.... Say it with me. DJEEEEENT........ Now, doesn't that feel better? Djent on.

[@tofolcano9639]

no it doesn't

[@lfinolfino5961]

+tofol cano. yes it djeeent!

[@axeofcreation]

PixelatedSkylines That's because it's not. It's just rhythm lesson, although these types of rhythms are found in "djent"

[@_math_student_]

axeofcreation great riff in the beginning

[@axeofcreation]

Preach! Thanks, glad you dig it. Very much appreciated.

[@axeofcreation]

Sometimes simplicity is the most effective device. Besides adding some 1/4 note pulse against most things will create an interesting yet simple polymeter.

[@litchbizard]

People keep on nit picking everything he does in this video, from the tone of his guitar to the words he uses, and seriously, guys, shut up. If you actually pay attention, it's obvious he knows a lot about this subject, and writing polyrythms (or polymeters...) isn't the easiest thing in the world. So respect that he's trying to spread knowledge. And thank you, axeofcreation, I really enjoyed this lesson.

[@axeofcreation]

They're actually the ones who coined the term djent. It was just a term for what a guitar chug sounded like but now, imho, the term has evolved into a sub-genre of metal. With bands labeled as djent having very similar technical, compositional, and tonal characteristics. It's seems to have been taken from meshuggah and combined with a whole lot of characteristics of other metal styles.

[@samirgolchha]

Standart Djentleman Pack: low tuning (optional), lot of different palm-mutings, opened lower string, high-notes in the middle of your riffs (sometimes w/ dissonances), polyrythms, groove, ghost-notes, hi-hat counting and random, polyrytmic or just syncopated breakdowns. and that's thall you need. ☻

[@axeofcreation]

You're right, kinda. The polymeter (a very common one) is in the drums. So if you have a riff, possibly syncopated, and you want to write a (djent style) polymeter against it, here is a simple yet effective way to do that. Whether or not it has to do with anything is irrelevant. It's all metal in the end.

[@kseforlife16]

A very good lesson on basics to getting your self into a technique, that isn't necessarily hard tech wise but hard timing wise.

[@axeofcreation]

You should listen to Animals as Leaders. Full of major chords. Though they're usually full of colorful extensions, ie 7ths, #11ths etc...

[@MagianCreative]

I was looking for the perfect djentle introduction. Thank you!

[@brendangibson8200]

"I hate to call it Djent." Title has Djent in it.

[@axeofcreation]

"buzz" words equal views. Marketing 101.

[@arjunkansara5870]

d-jent d-jent d-d-d-jent

[@Eatfard_5150]

Djeeeeeent

[@axeofcreation]

It's a rhythmic exercise so I applied chords/notes that I think sound good not so much 'djent'.

[@axeofcreation]

I've done a riff variation lesson (awhile ago) that looked how you can take the chord or essence of a riff and make new parts, so check that out if you haven't. But that's a great idea!

[@axeofcreation]

5/8 over 5/4 is a polyrhythm (stays within a measure/lands on 1) but the quarter pulse (2/4) is polymetric, your correct. Plus the guitar is not playing that part.

[@angusrules53]

I had a conversation with you about a Tool rhythm a few years back. Nice to see you again!

[@ijohnny.]

Great tutorial, appreciate it! Off-times are hard to grasp but this vid really helps me!

[@cesarruiz2012]

Helpful lesson. Thanks for posting. I think I'm more concerned right now with what scales to use and how to connect them to create a more pleasing sound. I get stuck in a cycle of minors and majors that lacks originality.

[@axeofcreation]

That's probably because I was being sarcastic not ironic. EIther way, thanks for checking the video. Power forth through your polymetric adventures!

[@axeofcreation]

It depends on which amp model I'm running. I tend to lean towards a select few though... PhD Ported, Hiway and some of the beefier cabs, Uber, Tread and XXL

[@LaRucArcaica]

ooooohh.....that's what I've been looking for.......someone to explain the "Djent" thing....and that couldn't be more clearly...thank you mistaa!!!!!!

[@JulianEmdon]

Thanks man this really gives clarity to the Non-Existent Subgenre of Metal Called Djent.

[@axeofcreation]

I have some other lessons on that :) I don't think the riff I wrote sounds like Meshuggah, do you?

[@occult702]

I love how the instruments work together by going with yet sounding at times against each other. Meshuggah shit right here. Excellent.

[@axeofcreation]

Don't get hung up on it. It's a buzz word. It's the rhythm lesson that's important.

[@TylerHague]

I just stumbled across this lesson while listening to some music. I don't really play djent, but this lesson was written such that it can be applied to just about anything you want to apply it to. Great job! Will be checking out your other videos :)

[@gilllie666]

i'll have to check it out then dude! another cool thing i noticed adam jones does is when he's playing a riff with power chords that have the root on the A string he sometimes plays pinch harmonics on the higher notes at the end of a measure of which ever chord he ends on, dude makes my giny tingle lmao

[@SSJHEW]

Good lesson. Showed me some different approaches as far as rhythm goes.

[@GnomanSociety]

wow. I just started playing(trying) progressive and I learned a lot with just one session. Gotta share and spread the word of how great you are.

[@axeofcreation]

I would agree with you. Especially your reference to the progressive aspect. I myself have referred to it as a sub genre the way you put it is what I'm referring to when I say that. There are (progressive) metal that stylistically use aspects of whats become known as djent or relating to that sound. For me the term has evolved from an adjective describing a sound. I am not a fan of this genre no genre conversation.

[@PaulOuzounov]

You are a smart lad! It's interesting to hear different techniques and thoughts regarding the creation of music - especially with this huge new wave of progressive/percussive based metal. Good work - keep it up. I personally think your tone is very reminiscent of Intronaut which in itself is a grand compliment. All the best dude!

[@Cole444Train]

ah from 2013. Seems as if now, the supporters of "djent" as a genre have won. It is no doubt a genre now

[@axeofcreation]

Are people still talking about this? That's funny, sub-genre for sure. I did a poor job expressing my satire.

[@RobertLandrum13]

You know it's bad when Meshuggah themselves wanted to distance themselves from that word, the word Fredrik coined. There some good bands in that "genre" but it's not the well known ones that's for sure.

[@TeslaNick2]

At least we all know what we mean when we talk about it.

[@Ganbakodon]

all the best bands now are djent hahaha how is it not known for that? you literally cant play djent unless you have high musicianship!

[@axeofcreation]

Aversion? I believe you're missing my sarcasm (and everything else I've said about the term). And the word is syncopation but why let grammar get in the way of our subjectivity. Thank you for repeating exactly what I said in the lesson as if you're shoving it in my face. As I pointed out, all the poly fun is in the drums and not the riff. Feel free to dl the drum track and showing us how it's done.

[@Mezer_PoE]

It's like a hair tie/wrist band. It's used to help mute the strings that are ringing too much and to help keep that 7th string quiet.

[@palmettopew3771]

Ladies and Djentlemen, there are too many sub-generas to keep up with these days. I don't personally care for extremely refined classification of music but that's all it is, my personal opinion. If it's groovy, jam on. Just bought an 8 string, learning a ton. Thanks for the information. Your vids are very informative and cut through to the point.

[@axeofcreation]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying my videos.

[@axeofcreation]

I'm well aware of the difference, thank you for the info though.

[@AquaVert34]

Say it... say djent...its what it is

[@abtionette]

Awesome!!... but how'd you get skrillex to drum for your video?

[@axeofcreation]

Worked for me!

[@denom]

in this video there's not djent nor complex polyrhythms

[@nuke97]

I have to say after being your viewer for a number of years. I wish you would post videos of you just playing for a while. Like really grooving on these polyrhythmic ideas and odd meters Concepts. I understand releasing to the public any musical work can be such a compromise but shoot your stuff is always really cool.

[@stormshadow2k]

Learned one hell of a lot. Keep it up man!

[@kole076]

I've been constantly attempting to delve into this style of music, especially in attempts to record it myself. So far I've been discouraged yet persistent as I'm on a six string, but I guess you could say I've been pretty... dilidjent.

[@quantumappliance]

Could you do a lesson of Pushit or Third Eye in the near future?

[@soccablau9203]

I use to tune my E string down A then the Low A string down to another A i repeat it over and over until my tone is so heavy that my neighboors cuts themeselves on a plate knives and chokes on carrots

[@axeofcreation]

Thanks!

[@axeofcreation]

Tell me about. Please keep in mind that I care not. I'm in no way concerned with 'tone', especially aiming for a 'djent' tone. It's just a lesson. If you're focusing on sound rather than the actual counting and polymeters you're missing that point.

[@axeofcreation]

Yeah sure. Your not wrong in any sense. From the guitar parts perspective (my riffs) I'm thinking in 5/4 throughout.

[@gilllie666]

2/2 then expand the same riff but play it with full power chords. lots of metal bands seem to really flog one riff in many ways through 3-5 minutes yet still keep it sounding fresh, have you picked up other ways they do this too?

[@axeofcreation]

Amen!

[@gilllie666]

hey greg did i once see u had a lesson posted on a site somewhere for third eye by tool? im prepared to pay the ten bucks if thats still the cost for it

[@axeofcreation]

Much appreciated! \m/

[@axeofcreation]

I couldn't agree with you more. Sadly you've misunderstood my sarcasm for 'whining'.

[@getsDM]

what's the brand name and the name of the "foam" you use to mute the string at the nut with a V I think, (black and orange foam with v logo). thanks!

[@gilllie666]

1/2 hey greg i reckon a cool idea for a lesson would be to outline how a band has an initial idea or riff and then how they might go about playing that same riff in different ways, yet still really just be playing the same riff, in order to give the song a different feel at different points. ie what i might do is make a riff with single notes, then to expand it i would consider if it had silent parts within the riff and see if i could add some dead/muted 8th notes,

[@axeofcreation]

Cool story. Although if you read through the comments, I actually do consider it a genre for the reasons you mentioned. I'm just poking fun at how silly the argument has become.

[@RealEscort]

What are you using at the neck of your guitar to stop the string noise?

[@TheoryOfNekomata]

I thought, at first sight common theory in creating djent-y riffs are discussed. Turns out, it focuses on a single progression for discussion. It was kinda nice and easy to grasp, but I think more theory is put on this vid (e.g. advisable time signatures, rhythmic patterns, chord progressions and whatnot).

[@axeofcreation]

Thanks

[@axeofcreation]

I simultaneously agree and disagree with your points. If it's new to you as a player/writer then you should try to write and learn how to incorporate such techniques. As time passes your riffs will feel more natural as you insert odd timings. Taking notes off is a good practice tool initially because it can help you (in the general sense) gain an understanding to the rhythm (theory).

[@sbbassslapper]

I'm glad that I found this channel, as a bass player turned Guitarist I am finding a lot of techniques that I need to learn and ways to learn them! I play in a metal band called Sourblood!

[@MrPopalosus]

Great lesson, thanks !

[@axeofcreation]

Ha, brillant!

[@laysstandard]

i feel this was way more progressive sounding than it was djent though you're spot on about dissecting it and putting it to paper rythmically, but the notes you use make it weird in that progressive way. major/minor sort of sense.

[@rajeshsunchildmadhav9740]

coool..its helping man...so thanks for sharing bro...:)

[@KingTheAlba]

Djent, whether you like it or not, is now a new genre that has come to existence. It’s something that’s different to most genres and it’s a step forward in our music. Don’t shit on a genre cause you’re not a fan

[@axeofcreation]

I agree, mostly. No one is shitting on the genre, just having fun with a silly argument about what is or isn't something blah blah. It has been a great push forward in many aspects and I welcome that.

[@tylergreen8376]

What are those yellow speakers?! I see them everywhere!

[@dannyboyblue1111]

Greg keep up the good work mate. The videos are great as is the playing. There are some morons on the web that have nothing better to do than to criticise others. I haven't seen a bad lesson from you yet. Top job!

[@axeofcreation]

I have plenty of other lessons that do that

[@karverwoods1109]

@IDeathMetal58, right. But don't mind the fact that the founding people of djent directly say it isn't a genre.

[@GuitaristWayneWhite]

I love the off beat syncopation idea.

[@axeofcreation]

Yes, and when you get one for yourself. Tell them I sent you.

[@axeofcreation]

Yeah. Wasn't really aiming for that tone. Just the rhythms.

[@ibyssband]

interesting content. keep up your good work. you have a new subscriber.

[@Alex_Bialecki]

This might sound like a stupid question, but I've seen quite a lot of guitarrists using that wristband(?) thing on their guitars, and I never understood the use of it... I also realized that this happens in... 7 to.. idk, 9-10 string guitars... can anyone tell me why? ;-;

[@AlbinoMutant]

Great Lesson

[@darkinglory]

Good lesson. LOLOL at those major chords in metal haha.

[@axeofcreation]

i'm not trying to do anything. It's a simple polyrhythm (on the drums) and I put a syncopated riff on top of it. It's just a lesson. Djent is just a buzz word. Generates a lot of subjective views and moronic comments.

[@illusionfxstudio]

What are you using to dampen your strings?

[@guitarralaraja]

I need some book to learn about rythm, any suggestion?

[@Tunturisorsa]

AAL is pretty versatile imo and its not all djent but for example wave of babies sounds pretty djenty to me

[@NavySealWannabe67]

Were you self taught of did you take lessons.

[@Sanzor24]

what's that thing wrapped around near the first fret?

[@thegodphreaker]

where did you get that band?

[@Parkyy16]

Unrelated, but what cab do you run your Pod HD through?

[@jackpaul4133]

what scale are you using to write the first riff?

[@axeofcreation]

Yeah. Camera mic and I record the guitar.

[@Demonicglory]

The minute a group of people use a word to describe the same phenomenon it gives the word meaning. If I search "djent music" or "djent bands" or "how to play djent music" and I can find what I'm looking for, it means the word therefore has meaning which can jusly be called in this instance a subgenre of progressive metal.

[@NickGuitarMalfara13]

ahhh smooth djent

[@axeofcreation]

Silky smooth.

[@iphatbass]

It will be great if you put drums midi file, because there is no way that i can decipher what is written in your transcription :D

[@Pchr94]

He's using Gruve Gear FretWraps! Found it randomly at the internet, look it up!

[@CoDisafishy]

What determines the amount of beats in a measure? It doesn't make sense to me for some reason, it's probably the simplest thing in the world but it just doesn't click for me. I don't get the difference between counting 5 notes or 4 notes or whatever time signature.

[@DanSilverDrums]

The numerator of a time signature (the top number) determines the amount of beats in a measure. So for example, if a song is in 4/4, then you would count each measure: 1, 2, 3, 4. REPEAT. If the song is in 5/4, than you would have only 5 beats in each measure: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. REPEAT. Same goes for if a song is in 7/4 (7 beats in each measure) or 15/4 (15 beats in each measure). I hope that helped!

[@KompletterGeist]

this guy should just accept that Djent has indeed become a subgenre of metal. On top of that, his song does not djent at all....

[@axeofcreation]

It has been for a long time

[@MrStatical]

axeofcreation You also said it was non-existent in the video.

[@axeofcreation]

MrStatical Sarcasm based off the entire nonsensical argument people, like yourself, take the bait for.

[@greenjimmer1782]

+MrStatical your comments need to be more djentile

[@KeganTheTowel]

+axeofcreation It seemed extremely genuine in the video. You should cast for some roles in movies, you're a quite talented actor.

[@ChegzGT1EB]

So, do you endorse pro tone pedals now?

[@desolatesoul2304]

YOU ROCK man! Thx

[@leTRodz]

What's the brand of those bands near the neck?