Melodic dictation

[Gibsongirl]

Does anyone have any tips or hints how to figure the TIME signature by ear?
I do pretty well with pitches but really struggle with the rhythm part. Once the time signature is revealed, I can generally figure the subdivision. Any ideas?
Tnx

GibsonGirl

 

[kestrou]

Does anyone have any tips or hints how to figure the TIME signature by ear?
I do pretty well with pitches but really struggle with the rhythm part. Once the time signature is revealed, I can generally figure the subdivision. Any ideas?
Tnx

GibsonGirl

Kathleen,

It's easy to get the tap tempo from the metronome app on your phone, right?

After that, just start counting 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4 and see if that "works".

If it don't - because it's a Rush song - then you get to try counting to another digit until you get something there "1" comes out in the right spot.

Of course the tougher ones are where different sections are in different time signatures!

But, for me, the only way to do it is to count (I often tap my feet right-left-right-left) until I get "1" to work out.

Kevin

 

[PapaBear]

I listen for the snare hits

 

[MikeS]

I use both answers, but I also listen for a triplet feel. If I hear THAT, i assume 12/8 time.

 

[Gibsongirl]

Thanks for the tips, I'll give them a try.
K

 

[Justatele]

learning to recognize time signatures by ear is an experience thing, not developed overnight
so we want to be able to recognize 4 4 timing first, that's easy listen to hair metal
next is 3/4 time, fortunately a lot of gospel is in 3/4 time
ok. lets go fo 12/8, that common bles triplicate.
problem is you almost need a teacher to point ot other time signatures with a lot of example of songs to learn the less common signatures
online it can be difficult to explain because the in the same room experience of understanding is not there.
I would suggest a months worth of lessons with a good teacher to make you feel the differnce.

 

[Gibsongirl]

learning to recognize time signatures by ear is an experience thing, not developed overnight
so we want to be able to recognize 4 4 timing first, that's easy listen to hair metal
next is 3/4 time, fortunately a lot of gospel is in 3/4 time
ok. lets go fo 12/8, that common bles triplicate.
problem is you almost need a teacher to point ot other time signatures with a lot of example of songs to learn the less common signatures
online it can be difficult to explain because the in the same room experience of understanding is not there.
I would suggest a months worth of lessons with a good teacher to make you feel the differnce.

Tnx for the reply.
I do have an instructor but am struggling to "get it". Will keep working at it.
Tnx.
K

 

[giayank]

Every song I listen to I count out the timing. Sometimes I can't get it right now matter what. What I do to check myself is to start counting along with the song then keep counting along with the volume off then after 30 seconds or so turn it back on and see if I'm on the beat. I make it a game try to laugh at myself when wrong and have some fun.