A method and apparatus for demodulation reference signal (DMRS) communication are described. The method and apparatus include determining a DMRS pattern for at least two multiplexing schemes. In some aspects, the at least two multiplexing schemes may include orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) and single carrier frequency-division multiplexing (SC-FDM). Further, in some aspects, the DMRS pattern may correspond to a continuous tone pattern in each subframe transmitted in accordance with both SC-FDM and OFDM. Additionally, in some aspects, the DMRS pattern may correspond to a comb tone pattern in each subframe transmitted in accordance with both SC-FDM and OFDM. The method and apparatus further include transmitting a DMRS in accordance with at least one of the two multiplexing schemes and based on the DMRS pattern.