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15.2: Simple Meter Beat Divisions

  • Page ID
    258571
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    Even Sounds

    As with previous coverage of simple meter in chapter 2: Simple Meters, simple meter is defined as one where the note receiving one beat can be divided into two. This is the case with simple meters we have previously practiced:

    • 2/4: Two beats per measure. Quarter note receives one beat.
    • 3/4: Three beats per measure. Quarter note receives one beat.
    • 4/4: Four beats per measure. Quarter note receives one beat.
    • 3/8: Three beats per measure. Eighth note receives one beat.
    • 4/8: Four beats per measure. Eighth note receives one beat.

    Two Four, Three Four, Four Four, Three Eight, Four Eight

    New Time Signatures

    Another beat-unit that can easily be divided into two is the half note. These simple meters are common with a half note beat-unit.

    • 2/2: Two beats per measure. Half note receives one beat.
    • 3/2: Three beats per measure. Half note receives one beat.
    • 4/2: Four beats per measure. Half note receives one beat.
    • Cut time: Same as 2/2. Two beats per measure. Half note receives one beat.

    2/2, 3/2, 4/2, Cut time

    Conducting

    For each of these patterns, the conducting pattern will be the same as any other pattern with the same top number. A pattern of two beats will use the duple conducting pattern. A pattern of three beats will use the triple conducting pattern. A pattern of four beats will use the quadruple conducting pattern. A review of conducting patterns can also be found in chapter 2: Simple Meters.


    This page titled 15.2: Simple Meter Beat Divisions is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lauren C. Sharkey.

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