Audio Plugin Guy has launched Euclidean Rhythm Generator v3, a free browser-based rhythm composition tool built around the Bjorklund algorithm. The web application creates evenly distributed rhythmic hits across user-defined step counts, with six independently configurable layers for constructing repeating and longer-form polyrhythmic patterns.
Euclidean rhythm generation applies a mathematical distribution method to place a chosen number of hits as evenly as possible within a sequence of steps. The principle is associated with rhythmic structures including the Cuban tresillo and the West African Bembé bell pattern. In Euclidean Rhythm Generator, users can set the number of steps, hits, and rotation for each of the six layers.
Each layer can run at a different cycle length. As a result, combined layers may take a larger number of steps to return to the same overall pattern, while the individual rhythm settings remain visible and editable within the interface.
The generator provides two operating modes:
- Drum mode assigns the six layers to synthesised kick, snare, hi-hat, tom, clap, and shaker voices. These sounds are generated using Web Audio synthesis and do not require samples.
- Note mode turns the layers into pitched voices, allowing the rhythm engine to be used as an arpeggiator. The tool includes 12 chord presets, including open voicings of Cm7, Cmaj9, C9, Csus2, and diminished seventh chords.
In Note mode, the pitch selector provides chromatic note selection across a five-octave range. Users can also replace the built-in synthesised sound on any layer in either mode with a custom WAV or FLAC file of up to two seconds in length. Selecting Load on a layer opens the sample-loading function, while right-clicking Load clears the assigned file and restores the built-in sound.
Custom samples are retained for the active browser session. Saving and loading a .rhythm file stores pattern data without embedding or replacing loaded samples.
Euclidean Rhythm Generator supports MIDI and audio export. MIDI export includes configurable note and velocity assignments for each layer, with General MIDI percussion mapping available in Drum mode and chromatic pitch output in Note mode. WAV export renders a complete audio cycle.
The interface includes a visualiser based on six concentric rings, with each ring corresponding to one rhythm layer. Filled dots indicate hits and hollow dots indicate rests, while a cursor follows playback around each ring. The displayed loop length can be shown in bars, beats, or steps when the pattern resolves cleanly in the selected format.
Example rhythm presets are available at the bottom of the tool. These load verified Euclidean patterns, and the selected preset remains highlighted while the current layer settings match its stored configuration. Editing a setting removes the active preset highlight.
Euclidean Rhythm Generator v3 runs in a web browser and does not require installation, an account, or a plugin host. Audio Plugin Guy states that the tool was built with Codex and Claude.
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