Major Natural Scale in 7/8 (3+2+2) Time Signature | Exercise
The 3+2+2 subdivision of 7/8 is one of the most common rhythmic patterns in Balkan music, found throughout traditional repertoire from Greece to Macedonia and beyond. This exercise provides a systematic approach to internalizing this distinctive pulse while building technical facility across all 12 keys.
What's Included:
- Lead sheet in treble clef (PDF)
- Guitar tablature (PDF)
- Bouzouki tablature (PDF)
- Melody track (WAV audio)
- Backing track (WAV audio)
All notation includes chord names for harmonic reference. The audio tracks begin at 135 BPM and gradually accelerate to 150 BPM, allowing you to build speed progressively. (Tip: I use VLC Player to adjust tempo to match my practice needs.)
Learning Objectives:
Through consistent practice with this exercise, you will:
- Develop deep muscle memory for the 3+2+2 rhythmic grouping
- Build technical fluency with the major scale in an asymmetrical time signature
- Establish a foundation for melodic improvisation in 7/8
- Prepare for authentic performance of Balkan repertoire using this meter
Who This Is For:
This exercise is designed for intermediate to advanced musicians who are comfortable with major scales in common time and ready to explore the rhythmic complexity of Balkan music. Suitable for guitar, bouzouki, and other melodic instruments. Works for both notation readers and ear learners.
About the Series:
This exercise is part of my ongoing series "Balkan Music Theory - Scales in Uneven Time Signatures." The complete series will include 10 major scales and 10 minor scales, each practiced within 10 different uneven time signatures commonly found in Balkan traditions.
