Linked Questions
17 questions linked to/from Is there any real-world difference between time signatures such as 4/4 and 8/8?
22
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The practical difference between 2/2 and 2/4 time [duplicate]
In practice, what is the difference between 2/2 and 2/4? Doesn't the emphasis fall in the same place either way?
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6
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Do time signatures make sense? [duplicate]
Most people have probably thought at one time or another, why isn't 4/4 time the same as say 8/8 time or 2/2 time? (Anyone who knows about reducing fractions can attest to that).
I think time ...
4
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1
answer
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The importance of cut time [duplicate]
I have wondered for a while what the purpose of Cut Time (2/2) actual is. While studying music theory I've always been told the reason is to reduce the use of eighth notes and sixteenth notes in a ...
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4
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On the difference between 4/4 and 4/2 time signatures [duplicate]
I am new to music theory and I was going through this video on YouTube to understand time signatures. The author mentions that the top number indicates number of beats. I understand what this means. ...
3
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1
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Difference between time signatures [duplicate]
What is the difference between 4/4 and 8/8 time? 4/4 means 4 crotchets in a bar and 8/8 means 8 quavers in a bar, but 4 crotchets mean 8 quavers.
Is it just a question of notation? If so, why isn't ...
0
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1
answer
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Choosing common time or alla breve [duplicate]
From a technical standpoint, there is no real difference between common time and alla breve at half the frequency per beat (e.g. quarter note = 160 under 4/4 or half note = 80 under 2/2). Generally, I ...
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0
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What's the practical differences between 4/4 and 4/8? (or 4/2, and so on) [duplicate]
I read a lot on the web about this topic, but the answer I got mainly is "depends on how composer will write the sheet music", and it seems a convention.
What (in practical) will change? ...
1
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0
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cut time vs common time [duplicate]
i understand that 2/2 or cut time has 2 beats as opposed to 4/4 or common time, but how does this actually sound different?
if you took a piece and played if it was notated as being 4/4 and then ...
46
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11
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Is there any practical difference between 3/4 and 3/8 time?
Is there any practical difference between 4/4 and 8/8? regards a common and unusual time signature;
both 3/4 and 3/8 time are pretty common.
What difference in performance is implied in the the ...
43
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8
answers
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Is there a difference between 2/4 and 4/4
I cannot figure out the actual difference between these two beats. Isn't it sufficient to have only 2/4 (or 4/4 )?
18
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4
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What do the 3/4 and 4/4 numbers mean?
In music notation, I've always been looking for a simple explanation of those numbers that appear on the far left of musical piece, such as 3 over 4 or 4 over 4.
I have a hunch they affect the ...
13
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6
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How does the bottom number of the time signature affect counting?
I have learnt all the complicated mathematics subjects in my school, but that bottom number, I can't understand.
Ok, the notation will be different, and it will say what kind of note gets the beat, ...
12
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3
answers
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What is the importance of tempo and time-signatures?
What is the importance of tempo and time-signatures? Aren't tempo and time-signatures all interchangeable? 4/8 at 60 BPM can be also described as 4/4 at 120 BPM. Can't a 60 BPM tempo be transcribed to ...
5
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6
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Does a time signature imply accents?
Does a time signature imply accents by default? For example, in 4/4 time should I accent every quarter beat? Should I accent the first beat of each bar?
If yes, how should I notate a piece where ...
7
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4
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I'm not sure if I'm executing these instructions on piano time signature correctly
I'm learning piano on my own and I'm using a workbook (Ben Dunnett). Below is the link to my interpretation of what this task is asking (video on YouTube). I know I've played this in common time as I'...
3
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1
answer
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Should I have the time signature change from 4/4 to 2/4 or from 2/2 to 2/4?
So, I am composing another piece that involves time signature switching. I'm starting with the piano solo improvisation that I recorded and I'm thinking of expanding it from solo piano to orchestra. ...
0
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1
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Practical steps to "play in 2/4"?
Playing a sax piece written in 4/4 at 120 bpm
I was told it would sound better in 2/4
sound smoother
the "longer beat would sound better" and make it easier for me to up the tempo.
But I ...