Metric modulation and the superimposition of time

Abstract

Modern music artists and composers are venturing into the somewhat unexplored technique of superimposing time feels within musical contexts. Progressive thinkers are using note groupings, polyrhythms and others to modify common meters. When used, these devices alter the way a listener hears the music. The technique commonly referred to as Metric Modulation is when a listener is given one time-feel in a piece of music, but by using one of the aforementioned techniques, the listener is then introduced to another time-feel inside or on top of the first. If done effectively, the mind may hear this new time-feel as an interesting secondary rhythm within the original beat or can completely shift the meter. Most times the mind will try to follow the strongest pulse, but a technique can also be used in such a way that a listener may barley even notice. Though there have been many people who have used these techniques, there is little to no unified method by which the concepts are taught or understood. This paper documents some of the where and how these time shifting devices are used within music.