Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Entertainment/2016 December 11

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December 11

Difference between sextuple time and compound duple time notation

Are there any differences in how a rhythm would be notated in sextuple time and compound duple time?? Most rhythms look exactly the same because they're technically the same sequence at different tempos. But here's an exception:

Suppose we wanted to divide a dotted quarter note into 2 equal parts. For convenience, let's assume that this is about dividing a 6/8 measure into 4 equal parts. For fast 6/8, we use duplets. For slow 6/8, we write each pair as a dotted eighth note tied to a sixteenth note followed by an eighth note. Any other differences?? Georgia guy (talk) 16:18, 11 December 2016 (UTC)

Why would that be a problem? Would you consider it bad notation to write a quintuplet spanning an entire bar in 2/4, even though it obscures the second crotchet beat? In practice, as opposed to in theory, there really is no difference, and 6/8 bars can look like 3/4 or vice versa with impunity if it clarifies the phrasing. Double sharp (talk) 08:32, 16 December 2016 (UTC)