Beats of every size

About 2 min to read, then 5 practice questions

Dotted minims and dotted quavers

6/4: two dotted minim beats

6/16: two dotted quaver beats

In  the beat is a dotted minim: three crotchets. In  it is a dotted quaver: three semiquavers. The bottom number names the note that is counted in threes.

Quick check

What is the beat in ?

Which time signature fits?

Six semiquavers in two dotted beats: 6/16

Add up the bar, then match it. If two time signatures hold the same amount, the grouping decides: beats in threes are compound, beats in twos are simple.

Quick check

A bar holds six semiquavers, beamed in two groups of three. Which time signature fits?

Remember

6/4, 9/4: dotted minim beats. 6/16, 9/16, 12/16: dotted quaver beats.
Same total in two times? The grouping decides.

Practise this: 5 questions, about 4 min

Answering from memory soon after reading is what makes it stick, so now is a good time.

XP for every question right first time
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