Struggling with Odd Time Feel? Here’s How to Nail It in 4/4!

Have you ever found yourself looking to capture that feel that an odd time signature can have but didn’t quite get it? Or do you feel constrained by the 4/4?

Well, today I’ll show you how to use a 4/4 time signature to mimic the feel of odd meters by rethinking rhythmic structures. Along the way, I’ll also show you how to create jagged, unexpected syncopation for added complexity.

If that sounds like a good ride to you, then let’s go!

RECREATING ODD TIME FEEL IN 4/4

While using a 4/4 meter, the key is to think in terms of note groupings that can extend beyond the usual measure length—like nine 8^th notes.

Of course, you can always work with 16^ths or quarter notes; it’s up to you. Just make sure to adjust the grid in your DAW accordingly so it helps you to keep track of what you are doing (in case you need this sort of assistance).

I’m going to create the note groupings across a 4-bar phrase. Here’s what that sounds like when applied to the harmonic rhythm of a chord:

Noticed how you can already hear that odd time character?

For this example, I used 8^th note subdivision groupings and I started out with with doing a couple of nine 8^th notes and then another couple of seven 8^th notes to make up the 4 measures.

You can now use the drums to further enhance this effect or make it more subtle. Here’s a couple of examples:

What you heard was the drum part following the start of each note subdivision grouping, or not following at all and just keeping a straight 4/4 drum beat. It’s a way of controlling rhythmic tension. Here is a mixed example:

By letting the harmonic rhythm drive the feel, you can achieve that odd meter vibe without leaving 4/4!

Here’s an example of using this effect in the musical context I created:

And of course, you can perfectly use smaller 8^th note groupings like 3, 2, 4, 5…you can mix it up:

MIXING SIMPLE TIME SIGNATURES

A technique that is akin to this approach is by thinking in terms of mixed time signatures – which would be the effect you’d get if you had chosen to use quarter note groupings. This is achieved by simply thinking in terms of combining simple meters like 2, 3 or 4/4. For instance, here’s a 3 + 4 with a 3+2+2 – so, it’s like having a couple of 7/4 bars.

As you heard, you can also use the natural accents of the meters you choose to combine to create an overall more complex odd time signature feel while using something more familiar.

It all comes down to how you feel more comfortable with or makes more sense to you while approaching the creation of this type of effect.

CREATING SYNCOPATION THROUGH DISPLACEMENT

Now let’s talk about that syncopation technique to create jagged and unexpected rhythmic phrases.

I’m going to use 16^th note subdivisions and then I will start displacing the notes by inserting silences in unexpected places.

First, here’s the 16^th note pattern sequence we will be using. It’s only a couple of bars so that when we finish with inserting the silences, it takes up the 4 bars we need:

Now, I’ll start spreading the notes apart by inserting silences. You can use a pattern of some sort to insert rests like; for every one and a half beats you insert a half note or quarter note rest.

This is probably good to get you started but ultimately, as you open up space between the notes and you hear how it’s sounding like, you’ll start making the necessary adjustments so it makes some musical sense 🙂

Here’s what I ended up with:

This jagged rhythm adds tension and unpredictability while still feeling grounded in the underlying 4/4 structure.

Again, here’s how it can sound in the context of the musical example I created:

FULL MUSIC EXAMPLE

And now, the full music example so you can hear how all these things can be used, depending on your personal style, of course:

WRAPPING UP

So, there you have it — a few ways to create the feel of odd time signatures without actually leaving 4/4, along with ideas for unexpected syncopation. Try experimenting with these techniques in your own music to add unique rhythmic textures and grooves.

If you have other ideas about using odd time feel in your music, share in the comments and help the community 🙂

Until next time and happy composing!