Why do people count in 1 2 1 2 3 4?

[anonymous278347457]

I mean when you are in 4/4 and people seem to count 2 minums and then 4 crotchets.

Is there any particular reason for this?

Also, what happens if your in 3/4,5/4 or a compound time signature?


What do you do?

1, 2.5 , 1, 2 3, 4, 5?

[superbassman2000]

i always figured it was two half notes and then 4 quarter notes, to bring the band "up-to-speed" in a sense

[lemur821]

I don't think bands that shout out numbers before playing go beyond 4/4.

[Da LadY In Red]

Yeah. It's 2 half notes and 4 quarter notes.

[Jeff Moote]

I like to shout "1, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4" to throw people off, since that's what it actually is in 4/4. Generally I just nod the tempo and give them a "1" discreetly though, as that is more professional.

I count off 3, 5, etc. as described above (tap tempo, identify 1) or if audibly as "1, 2, 3" etc.

It's really not that hard, but silent count offs are much better for real performance.

[anonymous278347457]

Yes, I always count 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4. I either think it or tap it.

Hmmm...seeing as this is mainly an American forums, I should have really said half and quarter notes

[invader3k]

Our current drummer counts out out three beats with his sticks, and we start on "four".

[Munjibunga]

I don't like two halfs and four quarters. Four quarters is plenty. I get really impatient waiting for that knuckleheaded count to be over. I just like the drummer to click it off.

[Zappstorius]

What really drives me nuts is when the drummer bangs his sticks together four times. It sounds so much better and seems much easier when they use the high hat or ride.

[hawaiianbass]

I either use 3, 4 or I do a quiet vocalisation. I used to be a music major and all of my conductors would only give the up beat of four and then we started.

CK

[Bruce Lindfield]

Originally Posted by thedonutman

I mean when you are in 4/4 and people seem to count 2 minums and then 4 crotchets.

Is there any particular reason for this?

Well - I think the point is that the band really needs to hear the speed of the 1234 quarter notes - but if you just started with this, then people might miss the first one and not be sure of the exact time.

If you give them like a bar's notice - then they have no excuse for not listening to the bar before you start!

Having 2 beats in the first bar allows you to be really strong and get their attention, whereas if it was a very fast tempo, the bar might be over before you have established it!

Also, what happens if your in 3/4,5/4 or a compound time signature?


What do you do?

1, 2.5 , 1, 2 3, 4, 5?

I've played pieces in 3/4 and it's usually a count of two bars 123, 123.

I have also played in 5/4 and it was just one bar quarter notes 12345.

I have seen Jazz groups play very complex time signatures and the drummer has played a pattern which introduces the tune - maybe just on sticks or a pre-determined riff...?

[Bruce Lindfield]

Originally Posted by lemur821

I don't think bands that shout out numbers before playing go beyond 4/4.

Maybe true in Rawk!!

But in Jazz I think it's essential, when you are playing standards with people who you haven't met until that moment - then it's essential somebody takes responsibility for a strong count-in - or it's guaranteed train-wreck!!

[dancehallclasher]

kinda off topic: you know how in Outkast's "Hey Ya" they shout out 1, 2, 3, before the song starts but they're really counting off beats 2, 3, 4? That confused the hell out of my drummer when we tried to cover it.

[gottawalk]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

I don't like two halfs and four quarters. Four quarters is plenty. I get really impatient waiting for that knuckleheaded count to be over. I just like the drummer to click it off.

+1.
Some people even go so far as to go; 1...2...1.2.1234! I guess they are waiting for everyone to plug in and get ready while they're counting the thing off for a couple minutes...

[anonymous278347457]

Hmm...interesting responses guys.

So basically it seems that counting minims(half notes?) and crotchets(quarter notes?)is just for band situations to make sure the band is ready?

Personally, If in anything/4 I count crotchets. and In compound signatures I either count the dotted beat or the separate quavers.
Since I started out playing the piano without a band, I was always taught to just count 1 bar in.

[derrico1]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

I don't like two halfs and four quarters. Four quarters is plenty. I get really impatient waiting for that knuckleheaded count to be over. I just like the drummer to click it off.

I played in a band once with a drummer who sometimes played a full bar of hats for count-in, but who sometimes tried to speed up the process by only playing 2, 3, 4.

He couldn't seem to get it in his head that derailing the band by sometimes dropping the 1 wasn't really saving us any time.

Nice guy otherwise, but it's handy to have a drummer who knows his way around that whole counting thing, yessir.

[Jumbotron]

I think it's all about Billy Joel. Remember the beginning of "Allentown"?

[lemur821]

Originally Posted by Bruce Lindfield

Maybe true in Rawk!!

Definitely thinking of rawk.

[Jeff Moote]

Originally Posted by hawaiianbass

I used to be a music major and all of my conductors would only give the up beat of four and then we started.

This is certainly the way I like it too

[Lazylion]

Originally Posted by derrico1

...it's handy to have a drummer who knows his way around that whole counting thing, yessir.

+1
I've played on many a country shuffle where you get "3,4,1,2" and then a two-beat pickup on the fiddle, then the rest of the band comes in.