Meter & Time Signatures

Meter is a recurring pattern of accents that provides a rhythmic pulse to music. Time signatures are used to organize a songs meter and rhythmic framework, using two numbers, one on top of the other. The bottom number indicates the value of each beat. The top number indicates how we group together the beats in each bar/measure. Within contemporary music 4/4 time is widely used, though it is important to contextualist other time signatures and feel how the pulses differs with each time signature.

The BOTTOM number indicates the value of the beat

The TOP number indicates how many beats occur in one bar/measure

So that means

a. 4/4 = 4 beats of Quarter Notes occur in each bar

b. 3/4 = 3 beats of Quarter Notes occur in each bar

c. 5/4 = 5 beats of Quarter Notes occur in each bar

d. 2/2 = 2 beats of half notes in each bar

e. 6/8 = 6 beats of eighth notes in each bar

f. 12/8 = 12 beats of eighth notes in each bar

Being able to create, control and keep a solid pulse is often referred to as ’time feel’. Having control of time feel is incredible important, especially over various time signatures. When first introducing yourself to different time signatures and pulses in music it is important to practice with a metronome making sure you are not lagging, rushing or dropping beats. Being able to create a swinging groove or play with a clean pulse to your music is incredibly rewarding. It will take practice, but well worth the time spent at your instrument.

Meter & Time Signatures : Song References

There is no benefit learning how to play a 3/4 waltz when you will never play a waltz. Find songs that you resonate with that use the spectrum of time signatures, to better help you contextualist them. The following is a list of popular contemporary songs not in 4/4 time;

POP

‘Fallin’ Alicia Keys 3/4

‘I’m Lonely’ White Stripes 3/4

‘Love on the Brain’ Rihanna 12/8

‘One More Try’ George Micheal 12/8

‘Hallelujah’ Leonard Cohen 6/8

‘Luscious Life’ Patrick Watson 7/8

‘Kissing You’ Des’ree 12/8

ROCK

‘Free Me’ Foo Fighters 3/4

‘Money’ Pink Floyd 7/4

‘Breaking the Girl’ Red Hot Chilli Peppers 3/4

RNB

‘Never Loved a Man’ Aretha Franklin 3/4

‘I Have Nothing’ Whitney Houston 6/8

JAZZ

‘Take 5’ Dave Brubeck 5/4