Drums · Level 10 · Progressive and Balkan
7/8 groove
Don’t just read about the 7/8 groove. Play it.
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Seven eighth notes per bar, grouped 2+2+3. An odd time signature that sounds natural once you feel the groups.
Tap an instrument name to mute it and play that part yourself.
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a steady groove.
- Press play and listen to the whole groove twice before you play.
- Mute every row except the hi-hat (or ride) and play along with the rest. Count “1 2, 1 2, 1 2 3” instead of 1 to 7.
- Add the bass drum, then the snare, one part at a time.
- Set the tempo to 78 BPM and play the full groove four times without stopping.
- Raise the tempo to 112 BPM once it feels easy.
- Record a take and listen for the longer last group closing every bar.
Listen for
Aim for the longer last group closing every bar. A common mistake is adding an extra eighth note to make it 4/4.
Why it works
Odd meters are common in Balkan folk music and progressive rock; grouping the notes makes them easy to feel.
Questions
How do you count the 7/8 groove?
It is in 7/8. Count 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 5 & 6 & 7 & for each bar.
What tempo should I practise the 7/8 groove at?
Start around 78 BPM and work up to 112 BPM. Only speed up when you can play it four times in a row without mistakes.
Is this drum lesson right for my level?
It is a level 10 groove. If it feels too hard, go back to “Drum and bass beat”.