Time Odd Signatures

Time Signature: Two numbers which dictate to the reader how many of a certain type of note fit into each measure. (Figure 1)

  Figure 1

Measure: A measure is described by the time signature and has vertical lines to section off each measure. (Figure 2)

Odd Time Signature: A time signature other than a number over itself as in 4/4, 8/8, 16/16, etc. (Examples of odd time signatures are in Figure 3) 

A very high percent of music is written in 4/4 which means 4 quarter notes per measure. Of course one can look at this as 8/8 or 16/16, however we most commonly refer to the time signature as 4/4. The numbers in a time signature are always whole numbers, meaning there can be no 4.5/4. Instead, 4.5/4 would be written as 9/8. Although the top number can be any whole number, the bottom number can only be certain numbers which represent the different types of notes we have (Figure 4). 

Below is the basic beat first in 4/4, then adapted to some stranger time signatures (Figure 5).

Exploring different time signatures and trying all different kinds of beats and fills will increase your overall archive of beats/fills. It will give you different perspectives on music and hopefully allow you to incorporate some of these interesting ideas for yourself!

Listed below are some basic examples of odd time signatures, hope you enjoy!

Porcupine Tree - The Sound of Muzak (First groove is in 7/4!)

Dave Brubeck - Take Five (You guessed it, it's in 5/4!)

And if you're really feeling up for a serious counting challenge check out this video!

Modern Drum Lessons