Time signatures

Hello all,

I haven't ever really played in any time signature other than 4/4 and wanted to explore some of the other ones. For example, in 3/4 time are there three beats per measure? ...and if so, is a quarter note no longer a quarter note in this time signature? If anybody has a good resource for me to learn/brush up on this concept it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Greg :D

Hi Greg,

In simple meters, the bottom note will get the beat, and the top will be how many notes are in the measure.

Example:

3/4=3 quarter notes per measure, Quarter note gets the beat
4/4= 4 quarter notes per measure, Quarter note gets the beat
3/8=3 eighth notes per measure, Eighth note gets the beat

Compund meter is a little different though..Here are a couple links that could help.

http://www.teoria.com/reference/reading/12.htm
http://www.teoria.com/reference/reading/18.htm

Good Luck

Ryan,

Thanks for the reply. I think I understand it now. Basically, for 3/4 time I simply count 1,2,3...1,2,3 for each measure as opposed to 1,2,3,4...1,2,3,4 in 4/4 time, with each beat equal to a quarter note. I just need to get used to programming my drum machine in 3-beat measures as opposed to the 4-beat measures I am used to. If you have any additional input please reply, if not, thanks a bunch for the reply and links!

Greg

I'm glad I could help Greg. Just make sure to try out as much time signatures you can. The quicker you can get used to new things the better off you'll be. I don't mean necessarily a new one every day, but maybe try a new time signature each week..or whenever you are comfortable with whatever you are currently working with.