Progressive exercises
You'll ease into it, then things get a bit trickier, but always doable, never a headache.
The 3/5/7/9 Syncopation book for the musician
A modern approach to rhythmic reading in odd meters, designed for drummers, pianists, bass players and all musicians.
46 pages of rhythmic reading. More than 1,000 copies sold.
“Paolo Orlandi brings Syncopation into 3/4, 5/4, 7/4, and 9/4, and it works beautifully.”
M
Mark Eeftens
Slagwerkkrant / Specialized Drum Press
“A powerful tool for developing rhythmic freedom on any instrument”
J
John Benitez
Bassist and Educator, MSM
Who is this book for
This book is for any musician who wants to develop a deeper understanding of rhythm and feel comfortable playing in odd time signatures.
Whether you're a drummer looking to expand your syncopation vocabulary beyond 4/4, a pianist exploring new phrasing ideas, or a bassist working on tight rhythmic placement, this book gives you clear, progressive material to train your reading, timing, and creativity. You don't need to be a jazz player, this is a versatile tool for musicians of all styles who are ready to challenge themselves and grow.
Designed for every student, regardless of skill.
You know, it's just common sense: you already count, so odd-meters are just one step away. Start practicing them now and get ahead of the game
Easy to read
See those quarter notes at the bottom? They're your cheat sheet for knowing if it's an 'and' or a 'one'.
Start feeling the meters
Eighth notes and up in these exercises, assisting your reading, with the goal to let you internalize the meter.
An essential tool for music teachers...and their students
For years, I have been searching for a way to introduce my students to a resource akin to Ted Reed's 'Syncopation,' specifically tailored for odd meters.
With expert guidance from an experienced teacher, this book can become as a treasure chest of innovative exercises for practicing and studying solfege. As you engage with its content, you'll not only enhance your skills but also gain a profound understanding of the intricacies of the selected odd meters.
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I struggle to feel comfortable in odd time signatures. Will this book actually help me?
Yes, 100%. That's exactly why I wrote it. I wanted a way to get more familiar with 3/4, 5/4, 7/4, and 9/4 that felt natural and musical. The exercises in this book are designed to help you internalize these meters step by step, so they stop feeling awkward and start feeling playable.
I've worked on syncopation before, but only in 4/4. Why should I get this?
I used to do the same thing. I spent years with classic 4/4 syncopation books and always wished there was something similar for odd meters. This book fills that gap. It pushes your rhythmic vocabulary in new directions and opens up a whole new layer of musical possibilities.
I get lost when reading complex rhythms. Is this book easy to follow?
I totally get that. That's why I put a huge emphasis on making everything clear and uncluttered. I organized the exercises in logical groupings and added downbeat markers so your eyes and ears can stay centered. It's one of the most readable books I've ever worked with, and I built it that way on purpose.
Are the rhythms just for practice, or can I actually use them musically?
Every single exercise in the book was tested on my drums. I rewrote anything that didn't feel musical or natural. So yes, these are real musical phrases, not just math problems. I want you to be able to use them in grooves, solos, compositions, whatever you want.
I'm not a drummer. Can I still use this book?
Definitely. This book is for any musician who wants to get more comfortable in odd meters. I've seen pianists, bass players, and even metal drummers use it in totally different ways. Whether you're comping, looping, or just reading rhythms, you can make it your own.
Universal studies with a look at jazz
This book focuses exclusively on rhythms larger than an eighth note, ensuring simplicity while making the rhythms ideal for swinging.
The content was crafted through a thoughtful process of trial and error, resulting in musical melodies rather than just random notes on the staff.
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What you'll find
- bars of rhythmic solfege
- 1200+
- pages of rhythmic inspiration
- 40+
- exercise of uncluttered reading
- 30+
Want the full experience?
The MP3 Expansion Pack is available separately, or grab the Book + MP3 Bundle and save.
The best way to begin mastering odd meters: a twofold method
As you develop your rhythmic reading, you'll naturally and effectively internalize odd-meters.
1. Reinforce your reading
Each exercise is laid out with clarity and logic, helping you train your eyes to recognize syncopation in real time. The consistent structure and downbeat references make it easier to develop confident, accurate rhythmic reading, even in unfamiliar meters.
2. Get a feel for odd meters
This isn't just about reading, it's about feeling the time. As you play through each section, your internal clock starts adapting to 3, 5, 7, and 9. Over time, these once "awkward" meters become second nature, opening up new grooves, phrasing, and musical freedom.
Practice all your Alan Dawson...and more
This book is ideal for practicing all of Alan Dawson's methods. Its eight-note framework provides an excellent foundation for implementing these techniques. Additionally, the four meters (3/5/7/9) will spark your creativity, allowing you to explore and develop new ideas across various drumming styles.
How does this book look like?
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What is so special about this book?
This book offers a comprehensive and structured approach to mastering odd time signatures, focusing on 3/4, 5/4, 7/4, and 9/4.
- Extensive practice: dive deep with eight 40-bar exercises for each of the 3/4, 5/4, and 7/4 time signatures. The 9/4 section provides eight 32-bar exercises, offering ample opportunity to develop fluency.
- Stylistic flexibility: this book features exercises meticulously crafted with quarter and eighth note subdivisions, ensuring smooth and effortless execution in both straight and swing styles.
- Progressive learning: the exercises within each chapter are carefully sequenced to gradually increase complexity, ensuring a smooth learning curve.
- Enhanced readability: clear formatting and layout prioritize readability, making it easy to focus on the exercises and musical ideas.
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Practice material for all musicians!
This book isn't just for drummers; all musicians are welcome
The Syncopation is not a "book for drummers": it is designed for all those instrumentalist who want to deepen their understanding of odd meters, leaving room for their creativity.
Practice options
Over 1200 measures of rhythmic exploration! Play these exercises with your go-to tracks or loops and master your timing.
Coordination? Yes, thanks
Your feet can keep time, your hands can read...or any other combination! We all possess a drummer's heart; now, let it play
3+3+3 or 3+4?
Although odd meters allow for flexible subdivision, this book offers suggested counting approaches to guide you
Musicians, teachers, and members of the music community share their experiences
Endorsed by learners and experts
“I took the bait and bought this book. It is absolutely killer! The 3/4 exercises alone are worth the cost of the book. This will 100% become a foundational text. I wish I had this book 20 years ago!”
N
Neil
Professional Drummer, verified customer
“I got it! Very useful for my students, but I will also use it myself because you never stop practicing and learning.”
T
Tito
Conservatory Bass Teacher, verified customer
“This is an excellent idea. I worked with syncopation with Alan Dawson many years ago. I always wanted to write or was hoping someone would write a book just like this.”
J
John
Drum Enthusiast, verified customer
About me
“Paolo has always been a gifted, swinging, sensitive drummer and all around musician. He also possesses a brilliant mind and he is a great teacher”
John Patitucci
“For many years Paolo worked with Jazz Education Abroad in different parts of the world, with great, great success. To this day, Paolo maintains a very high standard of teaching, and performance excellence”
Gene Aitken
“I've had the privilege to teach many very talented students trough the years, but only a handful have developed a true mastery in both performance and teaching skills. Paolo is definitely one of those few...”
Tony Arco
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What inside the book
- The 3/4 section. 8 progressive exercises, 40 measures per page, one page per exercise.
- The 5/4 section. 8 progressive exercises, 40 measures per page, one page per exercise. Selected exercises include suggested subdivisions, such as 3+2 or 2+3
- The 7/4 section. 8 progressive exercises, 40 measures long, one two pages for enhanced readability. Selected exercises inlude suggested subdivisions, such as 4+3 or 3+4
- The 9/4 section. 8 progressive exercises, 32 measures long, played out on two pages for enhanced readability. Selected exercises inlude suggested subdivisions, such as 3+3+3, 5+4, 4+5
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The features of this book
Progressive structure
Each time signature (3/4, 5/4, 7/4, 9/4) includes 8 carefully sequenced exercises, starting simple and gradually increasing in complexity. This lets you grow at your own pace, without getting overwhelmed.
Clean, readable layout
The book is designed to be visually clear and easy on the eyes. Exercises are grouped in logical systems, with downbeats marked to help you stay grounded and focused, even in the trickiest meters.
Musical and adaptable
These aren't just technical drills, they're musical phrases you can apply. Whether you're a drummer layering ostinatos, a pianist exploring phrasing, or a bassist syncing with loops, the book adapts to your creative workflow.
Paolo Orlandi
Meet the author
Paolo is an accomplished jazz performer who has shared the stage with luminaries such as John Patitucci, Dado Moroni, Robert Bonisolo, Sharon Clarke and many others. He co-leads the projects "North East" and "Voices," and has also contributed to higher education departments worldwide. He holds a M.A. in Jazz Performance at the City College of New York, and studied drums with greats such as Tony Arco, Adam Cruz, Nasheet Waits, and Portinho.
The 3/5/7/9 Syncopation Book for the Musician
17 EUR
Download, 1 file
- Start working today on your reading
- Internalize odd meter while you read, through progressive, musical exercises
- More that 40 pages of uncluttered, clear rhythmic reading
- Does not matter which instrument you play, this is the book for you
- Straight Eights? Swung eight notes? The Syncopation for the musician got you covered
You've got questions. We've got answers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be an advanced musician to use this book?
Not at all. The exercises progress in difficulty, so whether you're just starting to explore odd meters or you're an experienced player looking for fresh material, there's something here for you. Start with the easier exercises and grow from there at your own pace.
Is this book only for drummers?
Nope! I wrote this book with all musicians in mind. Drummers, pianists, bassists, guitarists, anyone who wants to improve their rhythm and feel more confident in odd time signatures can benefit from these exercises.
Can I use this book as part of a daily practice routine?
Absolutely. You can use it to warm up, to develop time feel in new meters, or to experiment creatively. Whether you're reading with a click, jamming with a loop, or applying it to your instrument, it fits easily into any practice session.
Do I need to understand complex theory to use this book?
No theory needed. All you need is a basic ability to read rhythms. The goal is to help you internalize the feel of odd meters through repetition and musical structure, not overwhelm you with theory.