Here's a small excerpt of the 3 Dimensional Perspectives Chapter            

Let's begin with this rhythm. It has 3 very positive regular cycling pulses in it. Groups of 3 in the hi hat foot part - groups of 4 in the accented snare drum - and groups of 5 in the bass drum.

Ex.1 Version 1 (Download this example)

I would call this (above) a Four's (or quarter note) perspective because the most dominant feature is the fours being accented on the snare drum. It's also the easiest part to play out of the three voices.

For me, these types of illusions present a varying scale of 'Focus of Attention' inside the pattern.

1 -The snare drum part is the anchor and requires almost no attention at all.

2 -The hi hat part is next which requires medium attention.

3 -The bass drum part is probably going to be the most difficult to place.

So I need to get to a point where most of my focus is thinking about the bass drum part while the snare/hi hat is taking care of itself - whilst keeping an overall 'ear' on the whole thing.


Now we will look at exactly the same rhythm again this time viewed from a Three's (or triplet) perspective


Ex.1 Version 2 (Download this example)

This time the 'Focus of Attention' has changed priority because of our Three's perspective.

1 -The hi hat is going to need the smallest amount of attention because it's our anchor.

2 -The snare drum is going to need a medium amount of attention.

3 -The bass drum part is going to be the hardest to place and so requires the most attention.

Now here's the same pattern again - this time written from a (quintuplet) 5's perspective. So anchor your mind to that 5's subdivision.

Ex.1 Version 3 (Download this example)

The 'Focus of Attention' has changed priority again because the easiest part is now

1 -The bass drum which is acting as our anchor.

2 -The hi hat because it's resolving with the bass drum at the top of every bar.

3 -Probably the most attention will be needed to play the snare drum accents.

I find this changing of perspectives interesting because it means I approach the same rhythmic information from a different angle in my mind. Basically what I'm trying to show here is the manipulation of the way the brain perceives a rhythm by placing different amounts of attention (background to foreground) to the 3 elements from a different angle in my mind. Basically what I'm trying to show here is the manipulation of the way the brain perceives a rhythm by placing different amounts of attention (background to foreground) to the 3 elements.