Randall00 Registered User
Posts: 1
(10/15/01 12:40 am) Reply
Some trouble with music theory...
I'm currently writing a song in 4/4 time and everything was going okay until I was transcribing this one measure that features a lot of double-dotted notes and triplets and such. Now, when I play it, it sounds alright to me, but according to music theory, the measure is 27/64th's over in length. I have to get it down to 4/4 (or 64/64 if you prefer). I need to be able to change a sixteenth note into something that will bring the timing down to 4/4. I'm not sure if this was the right place to ask but I figure it's worth a shot.
Music theory is fine for those who are trained in it, sometimes, however, the lack of formality allows clearer expression.
One example is the keys used for the music. There are times where the music WANTS notes that are simply NOT supposed to be used, the score ends up with "accidentals" and notations that say the note is not what it appears. There are many scores where the music uses one time for the verses and another for the refrain. I have seen scores where the time is changed for only one measure and then returned to the original.
In the final analysis, it is the intent of the creator and not the LAWS of theory which will be used to judge.
If your comment was referring to me, I apologize for a lack of communication; I have been lurking and was unable to get my thoughts together for this question yesterday.
Re: Some trouble with music theory...
Oops, I was refering to you but there's no need to apologise, Dart!
It's good to see you but I didn't mean to make you feel guilty in any way.
hk 47 Registered User
Posts: 2
(10/25/01 3:30 pm) Reply
Re: Some trouble with music theory...
hey...I'm new to these boards, as you can see. I'm also rather new to musical theory and would like to learn more about it since in the past years I have went from a consumer level listener to an avid electronic and classical listener with alot of appreciation for good music. I've also started producing songs on the computer and learning piano on my own and it frustrates me that I don't know all notation and such (I was lazy in high school...didn't pay attention when I should have). Does anyone know any good sites that could provide instruction?
Wanderer Intervention and Flow
Posts: 29
(11/9/01 10:50 am) Reply
Re: Some trouble with music theory... Randall
I know a bit about theory, but you haven't given enough information for me to be of any help. I'd have to see how you've broken down the phrases. I would guess that your problem could be fixed with one or two minor adjustments.
I do agree with Nous and Dart--there is no law that says every measure has to be exactly the same length. Music theory is not prescriptive, only descriptive. If you think the piece works, then there is no reason to change it. However, I can imagine circumstances in which I would want to fix the sort of situation you are describing.
Edited to add: I suppose I can be more specific with my advice. Basically, Randall, what I think you have to do is use more ornaments (trills and whatnot)--notes that technically don't take up space/time in the measure--instead of 64th notes.
Edited by: Wanderer at: 11/12/01 12:04:17 pm
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