UNIT 1: MATHEMATICS UNIT 10 COMPLEX TIME SIGNATURE
The time signatures that do not fit the usual duple, triple or quadruple categories
are called complex, asymmetric, irregular, unusual, or odd. They are subdivided
into beat patterns that make them easier to count and they contain both simple
and compound beats. Hence, they are called “complex time signatures.”1.1. Five eight time signature
In 5/8, there are two possible beat patterns. In the examples below, the top line
of numbers indicates the beat in the measure, and the bottom line in italics
represents the subdivision of the measure into smaller groupings of beats.2 beats + 3 beats in each measure
Counting the beats in this third manner may be confusing at first because you
will count the beat “one” multiple times in a measure. For example, if you are
in 5/8 and the subdivision equals 2 + 3 beats, you will count “one two one two
three.” You will say the word “one” on the first beat and the third beat of the
measure. The key to performing these rhythms successfully is to repeat the patterns many times at an effortless tempo. Doing so will help you to feel the
subdivision of each measure, allowing you to become more comfortable with
the beat patterns that occur within each measure.
Since a quavers is equal to one beat, the semiquavers is equal to half a beat,
and the beat will be subdivided accordingly.Practice five eight time
1.2. Ten eight time signature
1.3. Seven eight time signature
You will say the word “one” on the first beat and the third beat of the measure.
The key to performing these rhythms successfully is to repeat the patterns many
times at an effortless tempo. Doing so will help you to feel the subdivision of
each measure, allowing you to become more comfortable with the beat patterns
that occur within each measure.
Since the eighth note is equal to the beat, the sixteenth note is equal to half abeat, and the beat will be subdivided accordingly.
Practice seven eight
1.4. Eight eight time signature
Eight eight time contains two compound beats and one simple beat. This
means 3+3+2 beats. Some tend to confuse eight eight time with four four time
but there differ because it is grouped into three odd beats while four four isgrouped into 4 beats of two eighth notes.
