TIME SIGNATURE / 5/8

5/8 TIME SIGNATURE.

Uneven Five

GROUPING 2 + 3

A short odd meter that snaps into a two plus three grouping.

ANSWER FIRST / 5/8

How 5/8 works.

5/8 time signature means 5 eighth-note beats in each measure. A short odd meter that snaps into a two plus three grouping.

The top number counts the beats in a measure, while the bottom number makes the eighth-note the unit beat. Follow the accent grouping 2 + 3 to hear where each pulse begins.

GROOVE DEMO / 5/8

Listen for the shape.

Count two quick eighth notes followed by three. The 2 + 3 shape gives 5/8 its forward pull.

ACCENTS 2 + 3 · BPM 88

HEAR IT IN: Mission: Impossible theme

LIVE RHYTHM HUDREADY

CURRENT METER

5/8BPM 088

ACCENTS 2 + 3

Press play to hear the shape.

KNOWLEDGE CHECK / 5/8

FAQ.

Short answers for counting, hearing, and recognizing this meter.

What does 5/8 time signature mean in music?

5/8 time signature means 5 eighth-note beats in each measure. A short odd meter that snaps into a two plus three grouping.

How should I count 5/8 time signature?

Count the accents as 2 + 3. Keep the smaller notes even inside each group, then reset on the first accent of the next measure.

What is 5/8 time signature used for?

You can hear 5/8 time signature in Mission: Impossible theme. Listen for the grouping 2 + 3 to recognize the meter.