Odd Time Signature Coordination – Drum Practice Routine (Part 19)

Most beginner drummers start with 4/4, but stepping into odd time signatures like 5/4, 7/8, or 9/8 opens up a whole new world of creativity and challenge. While it may feel unnatural at first, developing coordination in odd times will improve your musicality and timing across all genres.

In this 19th installment of the Drum Practice Routine Series, we’ll explore exercises and grooves in odd meters to help you build confidence, coordination, and creativity.

At Drum Lessons In Home, I break down odd-time grooves into digestible pieces so students can internalize them one step at a time — whether playing rock, jazz, or progressive styles.

🔢 Why Practice Odd Time Signatures?

✅ Boosts mental timing and adaptability
✅ Makes you a more versatile drummer
✅ Improves groove awareness and phrasing
✅ Prepares you for more complex music

🕒 30-Minute Odd-Time Practice Routine

1. Warm-Up in 5/4 (5 min)

Set your metronome to 80 bpm.
Play:

• Hi-hat: Quarter notes

• Snare: Beat 3

• Kick: Beats 1 and 4

🎯 Count aloud: “1 2 3 4 5” to stay grounded.

2. 7/8 Groove Practice (10 min)

Break it into groupings:
2+2+3 — Count “1 2, 1 2, 1 2 3”

Play:

• Hi-hat: 8th notes

• Snare: On beat 4 (last 2 of the 3 group)

• Kick: On beat 1 and 3

Repeat slowly with metronome at 70 bpm.

🔗 Builds coordination similar to Part 14: Limb Independence

3. 9/8 Groove (10 min)

Count “1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3” or try grouping as 2+2+2+3

Play:

• RLR on hi-hat

• Kick on beat 1

• Snare on beat 6

🎯 Focus on flow — make it groove, not just count.

4. Odd-Time Fills (5 min)

Practice 5/4 fill ideas:

• RLRL Kick

• RLRL R

• Kick R L Kick R

🎯 Make sure your fills resolve cleanly on the “1”

💡 Teaching Tip:

Don’t let numbers intimidate you. Odd times are just familiar grooves with different accents — think of them as musical phrases, not math problems.

📍 In-Home Drum Lessons Available In:

• Redondo Beach

• Torrance

• Gardena

• Manhattan Beach

• Palos Verdes

Want to master odd time signatures with expert help? Contact me today and book your first in-home lesson.

📞 Contact Info:

In-Home Drum Lessons by David Montoya
📞 310-502-4413
🌐 www.drumlessonsinhome.com