Complex Rhythms Demystified

April 2005 By Joe Bigham

Part 2: Complex Time Signatures

Now that we have simplified reading rhythms, we can apply this same process to difficult time signatures, such as 5/8, 7/8, 11/8, and find new ways of interpreting basic rhythms such as 3/4 and 4/4

When beginning and intermediate students attempt to learn an unusual rhythm (such as 7/8), they assume that every beat is counted equally (1-2-3-4-5-6-7). While one can use this method, it does not instill a sense of "groove" or beat that is easily felt or performed. Instead, we shall again count the smallest division to help us decipher these rhythms.

Let us use the 5/8 feel as our first example. Rather than count this evenly, we shall break each section into shorter phrases. Typically, one can reduce a rhythm down to combinations of 2 and 3 beat sections to create a greater sense of groove. In the case of 5/8, we can think in a combination of 3+2 beats (1-2-3 1-2). By accenting our new "1's" we create a measure with one long and one short section.

1-2-3 1-2

This same groove is the essence of Dave Brubeck's "Take 5". The melody plays directly to this rhythm. One must take care not to reverse the count as the feel of the groove becomes markedly different.

1-2 1-2-3

One exercise to learn these rhythms involve counting these phrases and clapping on the one. At slow speeds, the feel may not be apparent, but as you become more comfortable with the counting, speed will increase and the feel will become associated with the time signature.

We can apply this same method 7/8 and create multiple interpretations of the meter

1-2-3 1-2 1-2

1-2 1-2-3 1-2

1-2 1-2 1-2-3

Now let us apply this same process to common time, 4/4 meter. One would might say there isn't much to do with 4, but by using a smaller division (eighth or sixteenth notes) new interpretations arise.

1-2-3 1-2-3 1-2

In this example the 4 beats of the time signature lie in the following order:

1-2-3 1-2-3 1-2

but by accenting our "new" subdivision we create a very different feel over the 4/4.

Hindustani musicians (see March '05 feature) use these methods to play 7,13, 16, and 31 beat rhythms, and even more complex rhythms such as 7 1/4 beats. This may seem difficult, but by counting the smallest division, all are quite possible and enjoyable to play.

If you have further questions about this rhythmic method, email us.