The internal structure of each wave in an impulse: waves 1, 3, 5 subdivide into 5 smaller waves (impulse or diagonal); waves 2 and 4 subdivide into 3 smaller waves (any corrective form).
Description
Each wave within an impulse has a specific internal structure. The actionary waves (1, 3, 5) must subdivide into 5-wave motive structures. The corrective waves (2, 4) must subdivide into 3-wave corrective structures. Understanding these internal subdivisions is essential for confirming a wave count.
Key Points
- Wave 1: impulse (most common) or leading diagonal
- Wave 2: any corrective form except triangle; zigzag most common
- Wave 3: impulse only (never a diagonal)
- Wave 4: any corrective form; flat/triangle/combination most common
- Wave 5: impulse or ending diagonal
- If a sub-wave does not match its expected structure (5 vs. 3), reconsider the count
