Odd Time Signatures...

As I learn more, the similarity between odd time signatures viz. 3x4, 5x4, 7x4 etc. beat cycles in Western music system, particularly in rock genre and those in Indian classical music is striking.

In fact, each of these time signatures have a technical name (taal or tALam) given in the Indian classical music system. This blog will take a closer look at these rhythm patterns and try to illustrate with a few examples from Indian film music.

Recognizing and Counting Odd Time Signatures: The trick is in counting, not playing.

Let's first start with a demonstration of how to recognize and count odd time signature. Some of the ardent followers of Indian film music and those into Indian classical music would be able to recognize these rhythm patterns quite easily. Here goes:




More to follow...