Eventually, as a drummer, you’re gonna come across odd time signatures. An odd time signature as any time that is different from the standard 4/4 or 3/4. Some examples include 5/4, 7/8, 11/8, etc. At first, these time signatures may seem a bit overwhelming to play a groove or even solo in. However, like anything that is hard, there are tips to make things easier. Here are 3 tips to play odd time signatures. 1. Emphasize The Downbeat This may be a simple and obvious tip, but it’s an important one. As the Ultimate Jazz Drummer, we have to make sure to keep the band together in any time signature. Making a big bass drum hit and accent at the begging of the bar can help keep everyone on the boat and avoid any over-boards. 2. Subdividing There are a few subdivision tricks we can use to help break down bigger time signatures into smaller ones. These can also help you feel the pulse of the groove as well. For example, 5/4 could be broken down into 2+3 (2/4 + 3/4). 7/8 could be broken down to 2+2+3 (2/8 + 2/8 + 3/8). Singing these pulses in your head will help you keep your place within the groove. 3. The “Rocking Right Hand” The “Rocking Right Hand” is a technique I use in my grooves where I emphasize the first eighth note of each beat with my right hand. For example, in 4/4, it would be (1) + (2) + (3) + (4) +… and so forth. In an odd matter however, this technique allows you to carry it over the bar line, creating a 2 bar phrase. A good example is the song in the video “Seven Days” by Sting. The drummer emphasizes every 4 eight notes, which carry over the bar line. This creates bigger accents, connecting bars together to create the illusion of common time, which can hide the odd time meter. Want some more FREE drumming tips? DM me the word “JAZZ” to join my free jazz drumming community! . . .
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