Lesson XLesson X

Further Concepts of Metre

Other Time SignaturesOther Time Signatures

What do the following time signatures have in common?

4 3 2 6 5 1

4 4 4 4 4 4

•In each case, the bottom number stays the same while the top number changes.

•Therefore the number of beats per measure is different for each but the quarter note always gets a count of 1 beat.

Top Number Changes

Bottom Number stays the same

What are the time signatures for each of the following musical examples?

Bottom NumberBottom Number

6

8

In this case, the bottom number is different

The 8 indicates that it is the EIGHTH NOTE that receives a count of 1 beat.

This changes the durational values for all of the other notes.

6 beats per measure

Eighth Note = 1 Count

Note DurationsNote Durations

Eighth Note - 1 Count in 6/8 time

Quarter note - 2 counts in 6/8 time)

Half Note - 4 counts in 6/8 time

Whole Note – 8 counts – too big for 6/8 time

Question: What notes can be used for 3 counts or 6 counts in 6/8 time.

To answer this, we need to use a symbol that was introduced previously – the dot!

Dotted NotesDotted Notes

skip

•A dot after any notes increases the duration of that note.

•The amount added is HALF the amount of the note itself.

•For example, in 4/4 time a dotted quarter note would receive a value of 1 count plus an additional half count for a total of 1 ½ counts.

•What would be the duration of a dotted quarter note in 6/8 time?

Dotted Note DurationsDotted Note Durations

GG

1.5 beats in 4/4 time

3 beats in 4/4 time

6 beats – too big for 4/4 time (could work in 6/4 time)

4

4

Dotted Note DurationsDotted Note Durations

GG

3 beats in 6/8 time

6 beats in 6/8 time

1.5 beats in 6/8 time

12 beats – too big for 6/8 time (could work in 12/8 time)

6

8

Accented BeatsAccented BeatsThe rock drum pattern we heard previously was notated in 4/4 time? Why? Why could it not be notated in 3/4 time as below?

•The answer is that certain beats for each time signature receive more an emphasis (an accent) than others.

•In 4/4 time, beats 1 and 3 are accented, in 3/4 beat 1 is emphasized. The rock beat fits 4/4 time better.

•Try counting to 3 instead of 4 when listening to the drum pattern again. You will find that it won’t fit very well.

Metres Have AccentsMetres Have Accents

PulsePulse

•In certain time signatures, the accent on certain beats creates a pulse which is different from the top number of the time signature.

•The following example is in 6/8 time

•In 6/8, beats 1 and 4 receive an accent.

•There are therefore 2 strong pulses in each bar of 6/8 – 2 groups of 3 beats.

Composition AssignmentComposition Assignment

•Compose 3 separate rhythmic pieces

•Choose a different time signature for each piece – one of the time signatures should be 6/8.

•Each piece will use three different instruments. Make the bottom line play a steady pulse.