Polyrhythm: Polyrhythm occurs when two or more different subdivisions of the beat are played simultaneously, but both subdivisions fit within the same overall time signature or pulse. The instruments are playing different rhythms that are based on different subdivisions (e.g., one…
Difference between beat, meter, tempo and pulse
Beat, tempo, meter and pulse, four of the terms used almost interchangeably in music but are they the same? In some ways they do share similar characteristics but they do have distinct definitions and therefore should be looked at differently. Following…
The difference between simple meter and compound meter
Simple vs compound meter in one line: in simple meter each beat divides into two equal parts; in compound meter each beat divides into three. That is why 6/8 is felt as two big beats, not six. Simple meter Compound meter…
Note duration
One of the key advantages of staff notation over guitar tabs is that tabs can only dictate the notes that are supposed to be played, but without the help of staff notation, it can’t explain the timing of that melody. Understanding…
Basics of time signature and the difference between 4/4 and 2/2
2/2 vs 4/4 time signature: is 2/2 the same as 4/4? Not quite. The length of the bar is identical: both hold the value of one whole note. The difference is the beat. 4/4 has four quarter note beats per bar,…