12.2: Additional Time Signatures
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Eighth Note Beat Unit
Simple Triple
Previously, we have seen meters that have an "8" as the bottom number classified as compound meters. These were the meters of 6/8, 9/8, and 12/8. The time signature 3/8 is classified as a simple meter because each beat unit can be divided in two.
This triple meter will be conducted with a pattern of three. Notes are beamed together in a single beat. To review this conducting pattern, see 2.3.1: Triple Conducting Pattern.
In some cases, a conductor might conduct a piece that is in 3/8 in a compound 1 and show one beat per measure.
Simple Duple
This duple meter will be conducted with a pattern of two. Notes are beamed together in a single beat. To review this conducting pattern, see 2.2.1: Duple Conducting Pattern.
Simple Quadruple
This quadruple meter will be conducted with a pattern of four. Notes are beamed together in a single beat. To review this conducting pattern, see 2.4.1: Quadruple Conducting Pattern.
Common Rhythmic Patterns
The rhythmic patterns common in other simple meters are also common with an eighth note beat unit. Pay close attention to the beaming as it will be in beats. The extra beam is not as intimidating as it initially seems.
Compare these patterns to the same patterns in a simple meter with a quarter note beat unit.
Dotted Eighth Note Beat Unit
Compound Duple
This meter of six sixteenths has two groups of three sixteenth notes that subdivide a beat unit of the dotted eighth note. As with other compound meters, we see these groups of three beamed together as a beat unit. This duple meter is conducted with the pattern of two.
Compound Triple
This meter of nine sixteenths has three dotted eighth notes or the equivalent subdivision. As with other compound meters, we see groups of three beamed together as the subdivision. This triple meter is conducted with the pattern of three.
Compound Quadruple
This meter of twelve sixteenths has four dotted eighth notes or the equivalent subdivision. Again, the subdivision is beamed together in beat units. This quadruple meter is conducted with the pattern of four.
Common Rhythmic Patterns
The rhythmic patterns common in other compound meters are also common with a dotted eighth note beat unit. We continue to think about these in groups of three.
Compare these patterns to the same patterns with a dotted quarter note beat unit.
