Hippopotamus Rhythm

Hippopotamus Rhythm is a music rhythm based on patterns of a five pulse beat (five subdivisions per downbeat).

Its origin is based in a 4/4 time signature, but is not limited to it. In the 4/4 time signature, each beat (quarter note) receives 5 subdivisions and, as a result, each measure has 20 subdivisions (4 beats x 5 subdivisions).

When Jazz, Rock, or Hippopotamus are written in 4/4, the following occurs:

Jazz – 4 beats with subdivision of 3 = 12 subdivisions per measure.

Rock – 4 beats with subdivisions of 4 = 16 subdivisions per measure.

Hippopotamus - 4 beats with subdivisions of 5 = 20 subdivisions per measure.

The Hippopotamus Rhythm’s feeling of fives and its rhythmic complexity translates to a powerful, yet smooth, driving sound.