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.
Using the following two lists, match each numbered item with the correct letter.
6/8
9/8
12/8
a.Bar 2
b.Bar 1
c.Bar 3
- 1 = b
- 2 = a
- 3 = c
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.