Peter Gabriel – “Solsbury Hill”

Time Signature: 7/4

“Solsbury Hill” rides on an uplifting 7/4 groove that gives the song a light, rolling momentum. The bass drum provides the primary rhythmic foundation, subtly creating the feeling of a "missing" beat without making the rhythm feel unnatural. This organic groove has influenced many indie artists, with its rolling, hypnotic pulse becoming a defining characteristic of modern folk rhythms. The result is a seamless, flowing feel that perfectly complements the song’s uplifting mood and structure.

Rather than relying on a complex technical groove in an odd time signature, this song provides a great foundation for understanding how to count in 7, making it an excellent starting point for drummers new to odd time. A useful exercise is to count to seven out loud while playing a four-on-the-floor kick drum pattern, helping to internalize the feel of 7/4 without overcomplicating the rhythm.

Led Zeppelin – “The Ocean”

Time Signature: Alternating 4/4 and 7/8

“The Ocean” rides on a famous compound groove: a repeating phrase of one bar of 4/4 followed by one bar of 7/8. John Bonham’s drums maintain a hard rock drive – the first 4/4 measure is a straightforward rock beat, then the second measure drops one eighth-note, giving a punchy 7/8 turnaround.

This alternating structure (effectively a 15/8 riff) creates a swaggering, head-nodding groove that feels both anchored and playful.

Foo Fighters – “Times Like These”

Time Signature: 7/4

The intro and chorus outro jam sections of “Times Like These” ride on an unconventional 7/4 drum groove. Drummer Taylor Hawkins plays a syncopated pattern that leaves an empty downbeat at the start of each cycle – in fact, the band’s guitar riff famously begins off the one, letting the bass and drums hit on “1” alone.

This odd-meter groove gives the song a unique, disjointed drive that heightens the emotional payoff when the chorus drops back into a comfortable 4/4.

Alice in Chains – “Them Bones”

Time Signature: 7/8

A driving grunge anthem in an odd meter, “Them Bones” is built on a seven-beat guitar riff and an explosive drum groove. Drummer Sean Kinney plays much of the verse with an open-hi-hat feel, and as the bar progresses he fires off three quick bass drum hits while dropping a “displaced” snare hit on beat 6.

This means the backbeat doesn’t fall in its usual spot – it comes slightly later, creating a jarring lurch just before the measure resets. The effect is a groove that feels unstable and aggressive, perfectly suited to the song’s dark vibe.

Rush – “Tom Sawyer”

Time Signature: 7/8

Rush’s classic “Tom Sawyer” features an epic 7/8 bridge groove by Neil Peart that has become one of prog-rock’s most iconic drum parts. Peart plays a two-bar pattern: the hi-hats drive constant eighth-notes, opening briefly in each bar to accent the synthesizer riff.

Meanwhile, he lays down a snare hit on the “3” and the final beat of each second measure, with bass drum hits anchoring the beginning of each phrase. You can count this part along with the synthesizer as a 2+2+3 if it makes it easier.

Pink Floyd - "Money"

Time Signature: 7/4

Nick Mason’s groove on “Money” is a famous example of a seven-beat rhythm in rock. The drum pattern feels like a bluesy 4/4 groove with a “missing” beat, played with a swung feel. The hi-hat hits steady quarter-note pulses, while the snare accents on beats 2, 4, and 6.

This off-kilter groove perfectly complements the song’s theme and iconic bass riff. Despite the odd meter, the swing and strong backbeat make the groove surprisingly catchy, anchoring the song’s structure even as it cycles in seven.

Soundgarden – “Spoonman”

Time Signature: 7/4

“Spoonman” slams with a 7/4 groove through most of the song, epitomizing Soundgarden’s flair for odd time signatures in a heavy rock context. Drummer Matt Cameron anchors the groove with a steady stream on the cymbals and a backbeat on the fourth beat of each measure, giving the listener just enough to latch onto while the count resets.

The effect is a driving riff that feels slightly off-kilter yet undeniably powerful – the seven-beat cycle propels the song forward with an urgent, headbanging rhythm.

Devo – “Jocko Homo”

Time Signature: 7/8

“Jocko Homo” is an early new-wave track that revels in a wonky 7/8 rhythm. Rather than a smooth backbeat, the drums here feel deliberately jerky and non-danceable. The hi-hat ticks along evenly, but the snare pops up on an off-place beat 3, and the measure ends without the snare hit you’d expect on a final “downbeat.”

This leaves a brief hiccup of silence before the cycle starts again, giving the song a quirky, stop-start motion.

Broken Social Scene – “7/4 (Shoreline)”

Time Signature: 7/4

As its title suggests, “7/4 (Shoreline)” is written in 7/4 time, and the drummer lays down a smooth groove that makes seven beats feel natural. A continuous hi-hat pulse and a laid-back backbeat on the fourth beat give this indie-rock track a hazy, head-bobbing rhythm.

The guitar and band accent around the drum pattern, creating a super hooky riff in 7 that feels nostalgic and immersive.