Glossary
Beat
The basic, regular pulse of music. It is the consistent underlying pulse that you tap your foot to.
Example:
The drummer lays down a consistent beat that the whole band follows.
Beat Divisions
The smaller subdivisions of a beat, particularly emphasized in compound meters where each beat naturally divides into three equal parts.
Example:
In 6/8 time, the eighth notes represent the beat divisions of the dotted quarter note beat.
Compound Meters
Meters characterized by beats that are primarily divided into three equal parts. This often creates a more complex or "swinging" feel.
Example:
The jazzy feel of "Linus and Lucy" comes from its compound meter (6/8), where each beat subdivides into three.
Measure
A segment of time in music corresponding to a specific number of beats, indicated by bar lines in musical notation. It is the largest rhythmic structure considered in this context.
Example:
In 4/4 time, each measure contains four quarter-note beats.
Meter
The rhythmic structure of a piece, organizing the pulse into patterns of strong and weak beats within a measure. It serves as the underlying heartbeat of a song.
Example:
The steady, driving feel of a rock anthem often comes from its clear meter.
Simple Meters
Meters characterized by beats that are primarily divided into two equal parts. They typically create a sense of stability and predictability.
Example:
"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" is in a simple meter (4/4), giving it a straightforward feel.
Syncopation
A rhythmic device that involves placing accents on normally unaccented beats or parts of beats, creating a sense of rhythmic displacement. It adds interest and complexity to the rhythm.
Example:
Ragtime music is famous for its syncopation, where melodies often emphasize the off-beats against a steady bass line.
Time Signature
A musical notation that indicates the number of beats per measure and the note value that receives one beat. It is written as two numbers, one above the other.
Example:
A 3/4 time signature means there are three quarter-note beats in every measure.
Triplets
A rhythmic grouping of three notes played in the time of two notes of the same value. They are indicated by a "3" above or below the notes.
Example:
A jazz pianist might play a series of eighth-note triplets to create a swinging rhythm in a 4/4 piece.