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# Group 1: identifying compound time signatures

## Activity 1

Match the time signatures, 6/8, 9/8 and 12/8 to bar numbers 1–3.

When identifying compound time signatures, count how many dotted crotchet beats there are in a bar. Don’t forget that a dotted crotchet is equivalent to three quavers and that thinking about the beaming might help you.

6/8

Bar 1

9/8

Bar 2

12/8

Bar 3

Using the following two lists, match each numbered item with the correct letter.

1. 6/8

2. 9/8

3. 12/8

1. 1

   Bar 1

2. 2

   Bar 2

3. 3

   Bar 3

The correct answers are:

- 1 =
- 2 =
- 3 =

### Answer

Bar 1 – 6/8. There are two dotted-crotchet beats in the bar. The beam joining the first three notes shows conveniently the extent of the first beat, and the straightforward crotchet/quaver rhythm comprises the second beat.

Bar 2 – 9/8. Despite the rhythmic complexity introduced by the ties, the beaming clearly shows three dotted-crotchet beats.

Bar 3 – 12/8. Notice that the rhythmic value that extends through the first two full dotted-crotchet beats is notated with a dotted minim (not two tied dotted crotchets), but the division of the second pair of dotted-crotchet beats has to be shown using a tie.

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