Understanding Less Common Time Signatures

Introduction

• This is part three of a series explaining time signatures.
• Focus on less common time signatures.
• Importance: Understanding duple, triple, quadruple, simple, and compound time signatures.
• Recommendations: Watch Parts 1 and 2 if unclear on basics.

2/8 Time Signature

• Definition: Two quaver beats per bar.
• Characteristics:
  • Quaver can be split into two semiquavers.
  • Simple time signature.
  • Duple simple time signature.
• Comparison with 1/4:
  • 1/4 is obsolete because it offers no practical utility.

6/16, 9/16, and 12/16 Time Signatures

• New Concept: Introduction of the 16 at the bottom of the time signature.
• Calculation:
  • Semiquaver fits 16 times into a semibreve.
  • The beat is a semiquaver.
• Pulse:
  • Pulse is a dotted quaver split into three semiquavers.
  • Classified as compound time signatures.
• Types:
  • 6/16: Compound duple time signature.
  • 9/16: Compound triple time signature.
  • 12/16: Compound quadruple time signature.

4/8 Time Signature

• Ambiguity: Can be mistaken for 2/4.
• Pulse Difference:
  • 2/4: Two crotchets per bar.
  • 4/8: Four quavers per bar.
• Characteristics:
  • Simple time signature.
  • Simple quadruple time signature.

6/4, 9/4, and 12/4 Time Signatures

• Base: Crotchet beats.
• Pulse:
  • Dotted minim pulse.
  • Emphasis falls on selected beats.
• Analysis:
  • 9/4: Triple time, pulse falls on beats 1, 4, and 7.
  • 6/4: Duple time, two pulses per bar.
  • 12/4: Quadruple time, four pulses per bar.
• Characteristics:
  • Each dotted minim divides into three crotchets, making them compound.
  • 6/4 is compound duple, 9/4 is compound triple, 12/4 is compound quadruple.

Conclusion

• Complex and tricky time signatures covered.
• Importance of studying theory alongside instrumental practice.
• Observing time signatures helps in understanding composer intent.
• Next video (Part 4) will cover irregular time signatures.