African-based music has a divisive rhythm structure (top).

The relationship between additive and divisive rhythms is complex, and the terms are often used in imprecise ways.

Metrical or divisive rhythm, by far the most common in Western music calculates each time value as a multiple or fraction of the beat.

Sub-Saharan African rhythm is divisive rhythm.

Clave which is traditionally used in a divisive rhythm structure, has inspired many new creative inventions in an additive rhythm context.