Time signature comparison — Simple metre, Medium — Set 1

Compare 2/2 (cut time) and 4/4 (common time).

Answer: Same total duration but 2/2 is felt in 2; 4/4 in 4

Which has a dotted-quarter beat: 3/4 or 6/8?

Answer: 6/8 — compound meter groups eighth notes in threes

How does 5/4 feel different from 4/4?

Answer: 5/4 has an irregular grouping (often 3+2 or 2+3)

How does 3/4 differ from 6/8?

Answer: 3/4 has 3 quarter-note beats; 6/8 has 2 dotted-quarter beats

Compare 2/4 and 2/2 — what changes?

Answer: The beat unit: quarter note in 2/4 vs half note in 2/2

Which is a compound meter: 4/4 or 6/8?

Answer: 6/8 is compound (beats subdivide into 3)

How many beats per bar in 4/4 vs 3/4?

Answer: 4/4 has 4 beats; 3/4 has 3 beats

Compare 6/8 and 12/8.

Answer: 6/8 has 2 compound beats; 12/8 has 4 compound beats

Is 9/8 simple or compound?

Answer: Compound — 3 groups of 3 eighth notes

What beat unit does 3/8 use?

Answer: Eighth note (♪)