The COOLEST Odd Time Signature [Mission Impossible, Music Theory]

The most used time signature in Western music is 4/4. Two others that are used really often are 3/4 (think of any waltz) and 6/8 (popular in ballads, but very versatile).

Fans of progressive rock/metal are also familiar with a number of other more complex time signatures (such as 7/8 or 11/8) - that are super cool, but that by their very nature and complexity lack a certain "groove".

That is to say, to make these time signatures work, musicians tend to play them very 'square' and sometimes with a 'robotic' feeling, otherwise, the ear gets lost.

Is it possible to have the best of both worlds? That is, is it possible to find a time signature that is both not-the-usual time signature and yet that retains some 'groove'? Is it possible to have an odd-time meter that does not sound too 'square'?

Yes, it is possible. And in fact, you have heard it already (but it's still relatively unused! Hurry up composers!)

This 'magical' time signature that gives you the best of both worlds is 5/4. You may have heard some classic groovy songs played in it like "Take 5" (you'll know it when you hear it) and the super-famous theme of Mission:Impossible.

In this video, we see how these two classic tunes leverage the odd time signature, and how you can write your own music with it too! Watch the video before other songwriters catch up:

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[BJ-fjjw]

best explanation of syncopation. the dotted quarter followed by quarter.

[forsakensandwich]

please do a series on the theory of rythym, it's a topic I've struggled with forever and your videos are always very accessible and understandable. Thank you!

[denisblack]

breaking down this with such an iconic riff is a lesson in great teaching)

[wyattstevens]

1:34 Lalo Schifrin said he used that rhythm because of - wait for it - Morse Code! (the rhythm, - - . ., spells out MI)
The 6/4 rhythm on screen at about 8:15 is used in "America" from "West Side Story."

[Nicky-T]

Don't forget one of the most famous in rock: the intro to *White* *Room*

[Wayne_Robinson]

Interesting how having the longer notes before the shorter ones makes a stronger groove. Perhaps it derives from that sensation of gaining momentum at the end.

[jasonjrsp]

Hey!!your videos are one better then the other, and yes, I think you should make more theory videos on rhythm because it is a topic guitarists have difficulty...I also reach and learn about from you man!!thank you so much for your time in doing all this!🎸🤘🙂

[ricomajestic]

Excellent video! Enjoyed how you explain the use of these time signatures and rhythms! Would love the see more on groove analysis.

[bennetfauber]

Yes, please. A series on rhythm would be excellent. Two great, possibly parallel tracks, one on theory, and one practical. A video on how to find the beat would also help those of us who are rhythmically challenged.

[lotharPPT]

A clip of Dave Brubeck made me happy - the whole album has some interesting time signatures - especially "Blue Rondo a'la Turk"

[bouzoukiman]

Any time signature can groove. One has to know where it splits into sections of 2, and/or 3

[tuknchuk]

Please make more videos like this about rhythm. The best thing about your videos is your approach and the way you uniquely understand and explain these topics. Really helpful. I sent the link to this video to 2 friends before I even finished watching it. Great Job !!!! Keep Rocking....

[ZaubadeArt]

more videos on rhythm and theory about rhythm? yes please! ☺️ also, loving your channel. I've had formal instruction in music theory, getting back into serious music making (as apposed to just playing for fun) and I'm finding your videos are a great refresher and in learning things i weather either totally forgot and or learning new things.

[dougarnold]

0:59... absolutely. I love 5/4. ...and switching from it to 4/4 or 3/4 yields so many awesome options.
5/4 was common in the nineties...and that's one reason I liked that decade a lot. Thanks.

[mergatroid]

I just found your channel for the first time and I have to say this is one of the best explanations / analysis of musical time signatures I've ever seen. Keep up the good work!

[giuliannorusso]

Great channel! Love your content. Please continues with this rhythm series. I would love to see more of it

[brycegorman]

Wonderful, thanks again Tommaso for a easy to understand explanation. Now, off to overanalyze all the rhythms of everything I listen to

[MELONenSURPRISE]

Thumbs up, and how this guy speaks, the accent is just fantastic

[MrKoubster]

I appreciate the explanation on rhythm from 02:36!
Thank you!

[manojkrishna]

sir! Please post more videos about rhythm and time signatures!