3/4 Time Signatures (Guitar Lesson)

Chapter 1: (01:44) Lesson Overview In the previous lesson, you learned about 4/4 or "common time." In the current lesson, Matt introduces what is arguably the second most common time signature in Western music: 3/4. In the following scenes, Matt explains the key features of this signature. He also provides you with some exercises that will get you acquainted with playing rhythms in 3/4. Chapter 2: (18:31) Intro to 3/4 Time & Exercises In lesson 3, you learned how each of the two numbers in a time signature functions. Matt simply applies these same ideas to 3/4 time. The top number indicates that there are three beats in each measure. Remember that a '4' in the bottom of a time signature indicates that a quarter note is counted as the beat. As a result, each measure in 3/4 contains three quarter notes or any combination of note values that add up to three quarter notes.

Triple Meters

3/4 is an example of a "triple meter." A triple meter is a time signature in which the basic unit of the pulse occurs in groups of three opposed to groups of two. 12/8 and 6/8 are two other common triple meters. 4/4 or common time is a duple meter.

Exercises

A. Scale Choice

These exercises are to be practiced in the same format discussed in the previous rhythm lesson. Play each example for a full measure on each note in the scale before proceeding to the next note in the scale. In the last lesson, Matt demonstrated how to play rhythm exercises within the context of an "open" C major scale. However, feel free to practice these exercises with a variety of scales. This will make things a little more interesting, and will also maximize your practice time. Practice a different scale with these exercises each day if possible. This may require that you keep an organized practice schedule. Refer to all JamPlay lessons pertaining to proper practicing and practice schedules for more information.

B. Practice Tips

Print or write out all of the exercises listed in the "Supplemental Content" section. Scan through the exercises and note which rhythms look tricky to you. Then, write in the appropriate counting syllables beneath each difficult exercise. This way, it will be easier to count when you get to a measure whose rhythm is visually confusing. Also, remember to always play these exercises with a metronome. Don't practice them without one, because you will reinforce bad rhythm habits. Sixty beats per minute is a great starting tempo when you are learning any new piece of music. Gradually move the metronome up a notch at a time as you become more comfortable with each exercise. Finally, always count the rhythm in your head and get a feel for the time before you begin each exercise. NEVER play until you are ready!

Exercise 1

This exercise is comprised of three quarter notes. Count "1, 2, 3" for each measure.

Exercise 2

This exercise is comprised solely of eighth notes. Count "1+2+3+" for each measure.

Exercise 3

This exercise is comprised of two eighths, one quarter, then two eighths. Count "1+2 3+" for each measure.

Exercise 4

This exercise features quite a bit of syncopation. Syncopation, according to the Harvard Dictionary of Music, is a momentary contradiction of the prevailing meter or pulse.

This exercise is comprised of three eighths, one quarter, then one eighth. Count "1+2+(3)+." Do not play on the downbeat of three! Remember that a "( )" indicates that a beat is simply counted. No note is struck.

Exercise 5

This exercise is comprised of one eighth, one quarter, then three eighths. Count "1+(2)+3+."

Exercise 6

This exercise is comprised of a quarter rest then four eighth notes. Count "(1) 2+3+.”"Or count "(rest) 2+3+."

Exercise 7

The first note in this exercise has a dot written after it. A dot adds half of the rhythmic value to the indicated note. For example, a dotted quarter note receives the value of a quarter plus one eighth note. A dotted eighth note receives the value of an eighth note plus one sixteenth note. Count "1 (2)+3+" for each measure.

Exercise 8

This exercise is comprised of an eighth note, a dotted quarter, then two eighth notes. Count "1+(2) 3+" for each measure.

Exercise 9

This is the hardest exercise in the lesson due to the fact that every note except for the first occurs on an upbeat. This exercise is comprised of one eighth, two quarters, then one eighth note. Count "1+(2)+(3)+" for each measure. Spend extra time with difficult exercises. Don't spend as much practice time on things that you are already good at.

Exercise 10

This exercise features an eighth note rest. It is comprised of an eighth note rest, a quarter note, then three eighth notes. Count "(1)+(2)+3+" for each measure.
Chapter 3: (02:03) Wrap-up and Preview of Lesson 5 Here is a list of some common compositional forms that are typically written in 3/4 time:

Minuet: a graceful French dance in moderate 3/4 time often appearing as a section of extended dance suites.

Mazurka: a moderately fast Polish country dance

Polonaise: a stately Polish processional dance in 3/4 time.

Scherzo: literally means 'joke.' This term designates lively and usually lighthearted instrumental music. It is most commonly used to label the fast movements of a symphony or sonata. It is usually played in A A B A form, with the B section being called a Trio.

Waltz/Valse: a popular ballroom dance in 3/4 time dating from around 1800.

Final Thoughts

The next lessons will feature some simple melodies written in 3/4 time. These will melodies will improve your note reading and rhythm skills in this meter.

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