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Rythm and Time Signatures confuse me :(

Discussion in 'General Instruction [BG]' started by Albini_Fan, Jul 17, 2003.

  1. Jul 17, 2003 #1
    Albini_Fan

    Albini_Fan Banned

    Jan 26, 2003
    Beneath Below
    Anyone have a good page that wraps around the basics of understanding time signatures and rythm and stuff? Because, for some unknown reason, I find these things very difficult to comprehend. Stuff like double time, and compound time signatures. I know what 4/4 means, or maybe I think I do but I probably don't.

    I'm bad at division :( Maybe that's why :(
     
  2. Jul 17, 2003 #2
    Phil Smith

    Phil Smith Mr Sumisu 2 U

    May 30, 2000
    Peoples Republic of Brooklyn
    Creator of: iGigBook for Android/iOS
    The top number is the number of beats in a bar. The bottom number is the type of note that gets 1 beat.

    4/4 - 4 beats in a bar, 1/4 or quarter note gets one beat.

    12/8 - 12 beats in a bar, 1/8 or eight note gets one beat.
     
  3. Jul 17, 2003 #3
    Howard K

    Howard K

    Feb 14, 2002
    UK
    Try learning the basics of reading standard notation and practicing some basic rhythms with a metronome.

    Apologies I cant point you in the right direction for this. Your local music store will have a $10 book that will show you the very basics - some of these books are very good, very clear and easy to grasp.

    These things are key I think. I'm only getting to stage where I understand how rhythm works on a basic level... only a few weeks back someone on TB (moley) explained compound time to me. Coincedentally my band are now playing two tracks in 12/8.

    It's not rocket science, but getting a teacher and understanding how it is written will really help - it certainly helped me.
     
  4. Jul 21, 2003 #4
    Albini_Fan

    Albini_Fan Banned

    Jan 26, 2003
    Beneath Below
    Okay, I have the basic concept of time signatures down. But one thing confuses me, is there any diffirence between playing 4/4 in eighth notes and 4/8?

    Also, is there any theory to making people shake thier butts? I want to start a industrial dance metal band.
     
  5. Jul 21, 2003 #5
    Ziggy

    Ziggy

    May 9, 2001
    Orange County, CA
    Albini,

    Just a couple of notes;

    Double Time / Cut Time:
    -used primarily for pieces where the tempo would have to be almost beyond comprehensibility if written in 4/4

    4/4 or 4/8??
    -the latter would mean; 4 beats per measure and 1/8th notes receive one beat... that would leave any 1/4 notes = 2 beats (normally that of 1/2 notes), and so on to the "whole note" getting 8 beats??? Addtionally, 4/8 = 1/2 (4 goes into the top # once and the bottom # twice), a time signature I have yet to have seen written out. Hence the first reply - Cut Time... doest this help you out??

    michael s.
     
  6. Jul 21, 2003 #6
    Pacman

    Pacman Layin' Down Time Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 1, 2000
    Omaha, Nebraska
    Endorsing Artist: Roscoe Guitars, DR Strings, Aguilar Amplification
    Bzzzt! Thanks for playing.

    Cut time would be written as 2/2, two beats to the bar, half note gets the beat. Don't try to use mathematic principles with time signatures, the two don't mix.

    Albini - the only difference between 4/4 and 4/8 time is the way it's written. (Although 4/8 implies a faster tempo, it's not a rule) You wouldn't be able to tell the difference by listening.
     
  7. Jul 21, 2003 #7
    Ziggy

    Ziggy

    May 9, 2001
    Orange County, CA
    PacMan,

    Good eye! I stand corrected... I haven't seen Cut Time written as a time signature fraction. (usually indicated by a 'C' with a vertical line (|) running through it) Although, despite my practice to count it as 1, and, 2, and, 1, and,... your 2/2 signature, is certainly accurate.

    Tanks for pointed that up... michael s.
     
  8. Jul 22, 2003 #8
    paintandsk8

    paintandsk8 Pushin' my soul through the wire...

    May 12, 2003
    West Lafayette, IN