The Time Values of Notes
The Time Values of Notes We use different shapes of notes to show how long each one should last for. The names of the notes and rests are different in …
Working out the Time Signature
How to Work out any Time Signature in Music Work out where the main beats fall and how many there are per bar Work out the type of beat Pick the right simple, …
Time Signatures: 4/4 or C?
What’s the Difference Between 4/4 and C? Music which has four beats per bar is sometimes given a 4/4 time signature, and sometimes a “C”. Is there any difference between …
Rhythm Questions (ABRSM Grade 5)
Time Signatures In the ABRSM grade 5 you will usually be given a multiple choice question on time signatures. First, simply add up the notes you can see, as this …
Grouping and Beaming
Here is a summary of the most important rules about correct note values, grouping notes with beams, and the choice of rests. The overall principle is to make the beats …
Irregular Tuplets
Irregular Tuplets We have already learned that triplets are “three notes in the time of two”, and that duplets are “two notes in the time of three”. In fact, we …
Irregular Time Signatures
Regular Time All time signatures are either regular or irregular. Regular time signatures have 2, 3 or 4 beats per bar, and the top number is only ever 2, 3, …
Easily Confused Time Signatures
Easily Confused Time Signatures Some time signatures can look very similar, so it is not always easy to tell them apart. Three time signatures which often cause problems are 3/2, …
Setting Words to a Rhythm
In this lesson we will look at how to set words to a rhythm. This question sometimes comes up in the Trinity Grade 4 Music Theory Exam. Stressed Syllables The …
Rhythm Rewriting (ABRSM Grade 4)
Rewriting a Rhythm in a New Time Signature It’s possible to change the time signature of a piece of music without changing the rhythmic effect. This means that the rhythm …