First 20 Minutes of the Class

 

Polymeters & Polyrhythms Overview

In this workshop, we’ll explore advanced rhythmic concepts and practical sequencing techniques for creating more intricate, evolving, and expressive patterns in Ableton Live.

We’ll begin with the essential difference between polymeters and polyrhythms, learning how each technique affects timing, repetition, and the relationship between musical layers. From there, we’ll explore Euclidean rhythms, metric modulation, phase shifting, odd-length loops, and interlocking sequences using Ableton’s native MIDI tools, unusual clip lengths, Max for Live sequencers, and hands-on programming workflows.

You’ll learn how to translate these concepts into Ableton’s piano roll and apply them to drums, percussion, basslines, melodies, and generative sequences across genres such as house, techno, hip-hop, IDM, leftfield bass, and experimental electronic music.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll understand how to create complex rhythmic relationships without losing the groove, build patterns that evolve naturally over time, and make more confident sequencing decisions in your own productions.

Advanced Rhythmic Concepts: Move beyond predictable loops by exploring alternative approaches to pulse, subdivision, repetition, synchronization, and rhythmic development.

Polymeter vs. Polyrhythm: Learn the crucial difference between patterns with contrasting loop lengths and rhythms with different subdivisions occurring within the same cycle. We’ll visualize, program, and combine both techniques inside Ableton Live.

Euclidean Rhythms: Discover how evenly distributing a chosen number of hits across a sequence can produce balanced, syncopated patterns found throughout traditional music and modern electronic production.

Metric Modulation: Learn how one rhythmic subdivision can become the foundation for a new tempo or pulse, creating dramatic transitions that still maintain a clear mathematical relationship to the original groove.

Phase Shifting: Explore how identical or related patterns gradually move out of alignment and form constantly changing rhythmic relationships, inspired by the work of composer Steve Reich.

Odd-Length & Interlocking Loops: Use unusual clip lengths and complementary patterns to create sequences that continuously shift, overlap, and realign over longer musical cycles.

Percussive & Melodic Sequencing Tricks: Apply these techniques to drums, percussion, basslines, chords, and melodies while using velocity, note length, probability, rotation, accents, and automation to add movement and musical variation.

No background in advanced music theory or percussion is required. Each concept is broken down visually and built step by step in Ableton Live, giving you practical techniques you can immediately use to create more dynamic, evolving rhythms.

 

Euclidean Drifter Max for Live Sequencer

Included with the session download is an exclusive four-track Max for Live sequencer for creating intricate rhythms, evolving percussion patterns, melodies, basslines, and interlocking note sequences.

Features:

• Polymeter and Polyrhythm timing modes
• Transport-synced timing that follows Live’s timeline
• Four fully independent Euclidean sequencers
• Up to 32 steps per track with independent Hits and Offset
• Six animated visualization modes
• Per-track Swing
• Per-track Reich-style Phase shifting
• Per-track Multi for half-time, double-time, and other rate variations
• Per-track MIDI Note, Velocity, and Duration controls
• Resizable pop-out display

 

Euclidean Rhythms Ableton Template Project

This Ableton Live template (inspired by this article by CDM) includes pre-built clips covering a wide range of Euclidean hit and step combinations. Route any clip to an instrument or Drum Rack, combine different patterns, and quickly explore an endless variety of interlocking rhythms. Use the included visual guide for Euclidean rhythm cheat sheets and additional pattern ideas.

 

Advanced Rhythmic Concepts Visual Guide PDF

This 23-page visual guide breaks down Polymeters, Polyrhythms, Euclidean Sequencing, and Phase Shifting through clear diagrams, practical Ableton Live workflows, pattern cheat sheets, and production-ready examples. Use it during the workshop and as a quick reference whenever you want to create evolving rhythms without losing the groove.

What's Included with this session

• 2 hours of Ableton Certified Training Video
• Euclidean Drifter Exclusive Max for Live Sequencer
• Euclidean Rhythms Ableton Template Project
• Advanced Rhythmic Concepts Visual Guide PDF
• PDF with List of Free Plugins, VCV Modules & Max for Live Devices for Polymetric and Polyrhythmic Sequencing

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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Yeuda Ben-Atar, a world renowned Ableton Certified Trainer, hails from Los Angeles, California. Yeuda’s passion for music led him to the United States, where he discovered his true calling with Ableton Live in 2007, embarking on a journey of mastery.

He approaches Ableton in a unique way; producing and performing with video game controllers under the moniker Side Brain.

One of Yeuda’s most remarkable qualities is his exceptional knowledge and speed, combined with his unparalleled ability to explain complex concepts in a simple and engaging manner.

With years of experience as a music production instructor and educator, Yeuda has contributed his expertise to prestigious institutions throughout the United States, including USC, UCLA, UCSD, Colburn Music School, Berklee School of Music, Cal Arts, NAMM, Skywalker Sound, Bedrock LA, Sonos Studios, Sweetwater Headquarters, 1500 or Nothing studios, Grammy U, Pensado’s Place, Vintage King, Museum of Making Music, Lynda.com (now known as LinkedIn Learning), and Perfect Circuit Audio, among many others.

His projects have included working with and teaching artists such as Timbaland, Ludacris, Lavel Kali(Beyoncé, Drake) DJ Numark and Jurassic 5, Beck, Skrillex, Flying Lotus, Ed Sheeran, Rick Rubin, Giorgio Moroder, Simi, Bootie Brown (Pharcyde), Dave Pensado, Madison Mcferrin and countless others.