Drum rhythm spaces: from global models to style-specific maps

Abstract

This paper presents two experiments carried out to find rhythm descriptors that allow the organization of drum patterns in spaces resembling subjects similarity sensations. We revisit rhythm spaces published by Alf Gabrielsson in 1973, based on subject similarity ratings of drum rhythms from an early drum machine, and construct a new rhythm space based on similarity judgments using contemporary electronic dance music (EDM) patterns. We observe how a specific set of descriptors can be used to reconstruct both Gabrielsson’s and the new EDM space, suggesting the descriptors capture drum similarity sensations in very different contexts. The set of descriptors and the methods employed are explained with detail and the possibility of having method for organizing rhythm patterns automatically is discussed.