How to count 11/8
Eleven eighth notes in uneven groups. A common grouping is 2+2+3+2+2: "1-2-1-2-1-2-3-1-2-1-2". Others you will see are 3+3+3+2 and 2+2+2+2+3.
How to practice it
- Start slow and count each group's numbers out loud.
- Once it flows, raise the tempo and focus only on the accents.
- Use the muted bars to check that you keep the grouping on your own.
Where you hear it
Balkan dances such as the kopanitsa, jazz and progressive rock.
Frequently asked questions
What is the right grouping for 11/8?
It depends on the piece: look at how the eighth notes are beamed or where the melody puts its accents.
What unit is the tempo in?
Eighth notes per minute.