15+ Anime Songs With Odd Time Signatures

Whether you’re a musician or not, you have probably noticed that most music has 4 beats. 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4. It’s what feels right, what feels normal. Of course there are some genres that focus on different time signatures, like the waltz which is in 3s, but otherwise 4s is the standard and the favourite.

So today, I wanted to find and examine anime songs that go against the status quo. Of course, there are probably many BGM (background music) and OSTs (Original Sound Tracks) that do change up the time signatures, but I’m only going to be looking at openings and closings.

While there are quite a few 3/4 songs as that’s probably the 2nd easiest time signature to write for, it’s still worth listening to as you get to see how different composers and writers work with it. Otherwise, be prepared for some unusually signatures, along with songs that like to switch things up mid-song!

If you’re a musician or producer who loves Japanese music and wants to create similar sounding music, my Japanese Music Resources Page has many amazing articles, such as Why Japanese Music Sounds Different, Japanese Song Structure, Japanese Lyric Dictionary, Breaking Down 15 Anime Chord Progressions, and much more.

And if you’d like to learn to create Japanese inspired music, check out my course, The Complete Music Theory Course!

“Target”

From Digimon

Time Signature: 4/4. Bridge (@2:34) is 7/4

I got into Digimon and anime music when I was just starting middle school. While I was always a music student, I definitely wouldn’t have known about odd time signatures or when to notice them at that time. I remember listening to bridge and thinking it didn’t fit well into 4/4 time but I just kinda forced it until the song went back to normal. Now that I’m older and listened to it again, it was clear that section is actually written in 7/4 time. It may be a short section, but it’s still worth listening to just to get used to that timing and feel.

“Wind”

From Naruto

Time Signature: 5/4

Here’s another song I noticed back in high school and I just always loved the feel of it. I don’t remember how I counted this when I was younger, I probably tried 3/4 not knowing 5/4 was a thing, but once I made that connection, it was so obvious. It sounds so good and so natural that I don’t think most really notice that it is in an odd time signature unless they actually tried to count.

“L’s Theme A”

From Death Note

Time Signature: 7/4, though, some sheets say 6/4 + a bar of 3/4 to even out. I’ve even seen alternating 13/16 and 14/16 on some tabs. 4/4 when the chords come in.

This will be the only OST/BGM I include in this list, and that’s only because it’s super duper popular and one of the first odd signature songs I’ve heard. Because the first theme is just piano, most won’t pay attention to the timing. Even I didn’t really notice until I was looking for songs to play on guitar.

“Liar Mask”

From Akame Ga Kill

Time Signature: 4/4, with 3/4 during the Pre-Chorus

This song generally sticks with 4/4 and 3/4, but there are parts where it feels like a bar may be cut or a beat is added, so it can through you off on your first and second listen.

“Toki wo Kizamu Uta”

From Clannad

Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4, 6/4, 7/4

Here’s a very popular opening that has a very different time signature. I used to listen to this song on repeat, but I don’t think I really paid attention to the time signature until now. I just knew it had some odd points that felt rushed or could throw you off if you never heard it before. Thankfully, one Youtuber did a thorough analysis on this beautiful piece!

“Scenarioart”

From Subete ga F ni Naru: The Perfect Insider

Time Signature: 7/4, 4/4, and 9/4

Looking for a math rock anime theme? Here’s a great song to add to your collection. Outside of the chorus which is clearly in 4/4, the rest of the song has some odd timings, mostly going for a 7/4 feel. If you want a challenge counting beats, this is a great song to practice and see if you can get through it without tripping up!

“Waltz”

From School Days

Time Signature: 6/8 then 3/4

Just like the title, it follows a 3/4 waltz beat.

“Masshiro”

From Ascendance of a Bookworm

Time Signature: 5/8, with part of 6/8

The song starts you off thinking you’re in 4/4 but you’re actually in 5/8 the whole time. But then, with the added 6/8 bars, it can create a weird stumbling feeling. You may think you’re going to stay in 6/8 for a while, which definitely feels more comfortable, but then it goes back to 5/8.

“A.E.I.U.E.O.AO!”

From Hinako Note

Time Signature: 4/4, with 2/4, 3/4 and 5/4 parts thrown in randomly

This song at times feels like 4/4, but it seems to do a lot of jumping and changing, like one 4/4 bar followed by 3/4 then back to 4/4, or one bar would have an extra beat etc,

“Mutual Universe”

From Junji Ito Collection

Time Signature: ….something odd, maybe 7/8? Followed by 4/4?

Here’s a math rock/alternative ending for you. I have a feeling the first half has alternating bars like 8/8 and 7/8, but it may take me a few listens to figure it out. If you know, please leave a comment!

“Arigatou wa Kocchi no Kotoba”

From Somali and the Forest Spirit

Time Signature: 4/4, 6/8

This song starts with 4/4, but then picks up to 6/8. There is a transitional bar in 9/8 as well.

3/4 Time Songs

While 4/4 is the most common time, 3/4 is just behind. I didn’t have much to say about these songs since they have a pretty stable 3/4 beat throughout, but I still wanted to include them for those who may not be super familiar with how that sounds and feels. Perhaps you can gain inspiration for your next song!

“Tabi no Tochuu”

From Spice and Wolf

“Suki no Skill”

From Death March

“Tsumetai Heya Hitori”

From K Project

“Cras numquam scire”

From Dantalian no Shoka

“Kimi no Gin no Niwa”

From Kalafina

Time Signature: 3/4

“Euterpe”

From Guilty Crown

Conclusion

I hope you got to test your ear and rhythm with these songs above. Are there any other anime songs with odd time signatures that I missed? Definitely leave a comment below. And if you’re looking for more articles like this one, definitely check out my Japanese Music Resources Page!