Irregular Time Signatures

The most common irregular time signatures are 5/4, 5/8, 7/4 and 7/8. 5/4 is five crotchets per bar and 5/8 is five quavers per bar. 7/4 is seven crotchets per bar and 7/8 is seven quavers per bar.

Irregular time signatures contain simple and compound divisions in the bar. In 5/8 time, the bar can be divided into a crotchet and a dotted crotchet. In 5/4, a minim and a dotted minim. In 7/8 time, a crotchet, a crotchet, and a dotted crotchet. In 7/4 time, a minim, a minim and a dotted minim.

The picture below shows 5 and 7 time signatures.


Image By Louise MacPherson 17/12/2016

Taylor, E. (1990). Music Theory In Practice Grade 5. London: The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, pp. 4 and 5.