Three Notes Accented in 7/8 Time

The world is hypnotized by 4/4 time. It is a personal mission of mine to end the hypnosis and give the mind a chance to free itself from "rock slop/post-pop/hip-hop/trance/bop" syndrome. To do this, we must explore other time signatures.

This exercise is a simple, three note pattern that repeats over a grouping of seven. As with the other accent exercises, the accented note at the start of each measure alternates from C to D and so on.

If you are new to odd time signatures, the best way to first understand 7/8 time is to think of 4/4. If you count eighth notes in 4/4 time, you will count to eight before repeating the pattern, but if you are in 7/8 time, you will only count to seven before returning to beat 1. Try counting out loud so you can hear the different feel that seven creates.

As always, use the standard five-finger pattern and feel free to switch hands, play with both hands, or come up with your own exercises that build off this concept. Start slowly until you feel comfortable with the notes and feel of 7/8.