Odd Time Signatures

Odd time signatures, while once a rare and specialized drumming technique, has become much more mainstream. Odd time signatures are challenging and fun. At the same time, odd time signatures are confusing, and are among the most mystifying of all drumming techniques.

A time signature has a top and a bottom number, such as 7/4, 11/8, and 13/16.  There are many top number possibilities, while only 5 bottom number possibilities.  The most often used time signatures are those where the bottom number is a 4, 8, or 16; and that's where our focus will be.

For many drummers, odd time signatures do not come naturally.  I have broken the time signature possibilities down into manageable categories, and recorded several classes with rhythms to help you understand, get comfortable with, and have fun playing in odd time signatures.  If you are a more advanced drummer, or already have experience playing odd time signatures, please also check out my traditional drum instruction book, "An Introduction to Odd Time Signatures", where you will find a much deeper and more thorough examination of odd time signatures.

Mike Trabulsie