3. Simple Meters
Simple Meters Table
Each row in the table below shows the time signature of a different simple meter. Complete the table by filling in the blanks to show the number of beats per bar, the duration of a single beat, and the duration of a beat subdivision.
| time signature | subdivision type | beats per bar | beat duration | subdivision duration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
 |
simple
|
quadruple
|
 |
 |
|
|
 |
simple
|
quadruple |
|
|
|
|
 |
simple
|
duple |
 |
|
|
|
 |
simple
|
quadruple |
|
|
|
|
 |
simple
|
triple |
 |
|
|
|
 |
simple
|
quadruple |
|
 |
|
|
 |
simple
|
duple |
|
|
|
|
 |
simple
|
quadruple |
|
|
|
|
 |
simple
|
duple |
|
|
|
|
 |
simple
|
duple |
|
|
|
|
 |
simple
|
triple |
|
|
Adding Time Signatures
Analyze each of the following rhythms and add the time signature that best matches the notation.
Rhythm Completion
Each of the exercises below consists of a rhythm with several missing notes. Complete the rhythms by adding a note to each of the empty boxes. Each box should be filled with a single note whose duration completes its respective measure.
Adding Barlines to Rhythms
Add barlines to each of the rhythms below to show complete measures in the specified meter. (Don’t forget to include a double barline at the end of each exercise.)
Adding Barlines to Melodies
Add barlines to each of the excerpts below to show complete measures in the specified meter. Don’t forget to include a double barline at the end of each exercise. (Recordings are included in the online version of this book.)
Adding Barlines and Beams to Rhythms
Rewrite each of the following rhythms adding barlines to create complete measures and beaming notes to reflect the specified meter.
Composing Rhythms in Simple Meters
For each of the exercises below, write a four-bar rhythm in the specified meter. Make sure your durations add up to complete measures and beam the notes to reflect the meter whenever possible.
