How to Play a 7/8 Beat on Drums

The 7/8 beat in drums is pretty unusual. You won't find it in your everyday catalog for playing songs of any genre. But a 7/8 beat is not necessarily complex, like other types of times rhythms, it's what you make of it. Here's how to create a good 7/8 beat on drums.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Recognize the notation. The 7/8 notation means two things: there are 7 beats in the bar, and they are eighth notes. The 8 for eighth notes just means the notes are faster than those of a 4/4 or quarter note rhythm.

2. Practice counting to seven to yourself. You might want to tap your foot to help you get into the rhythm of sevens.

3. Create a "cycle." Start with a constant beat on a tom or snare, and keep your seven count in your head. Then add certain other elements, like the high hat or bass on a certain count like 3, 4 or 7.

4. Keep it up. Think about how you could play along to this 7-note rhythm. The 7/8 can seem really uneven and hard to play along to, but just think of it as a full eight rhythm with one beat missing.

5. Use variations. After several bars, you'll want to progressively add cymbal clashes, or additional snare or high hat, at the ends of measures and in the middle of a song.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're confused, look at a classic example of a similar rhythm. The Pink Floyd song "Money" is in 7/4, which again is much the same as 7/8 but slower. Listen to the song, counting in sevens, and you'll hear how a 7/8 is supposed to sound.