Beat Reading Time Signatures and Meter 2

Question 1

What is a hemiola?

Accepted Answer

A rhythmic device implying two against three

Answer

A hemiola temporarily implies a different meter by grouping beats in two when three are expected, or vice versa.

Question 2

Which time signature has five beats per measure?

Accepted Answer

5/4

Answer

5/4 time has five quarter note beats per measure, giving an asymmetrical feel.

Question 3

In 12/8 time, how many main beats are felt?

Accepted Answer

4

Answer

12/8 is compound quadruple meter felt as four dotted quarter note beats.

Question 4

What does the term 'duple meter' mean?

Accepted Answer

Two beats per measure

Answer

Duple meter means there are two beats in each measure, as in 2/4 or 2/2.

Question 5

Which is an example of asymmetric meter?

Accepted Answer

7/8

Answer

7/8 is asymmetric because its seven eighth notes cannot be evenly divided into equal beat groups.

Beat Reading Practice Test