Beat

What it means

The beat (German Zählzeit) is the individual unit of time within a bar — what is named “one”, “two”, “three” when counting along. Which note value forms the beat is fixed by the time signature: in four-four time the quarter, in six-eight time the dotted quarter.

The beat and the note value in the denominator of the time signature are to be distinguished. With simple time signatures, both coincide. With compound time signatures they do not: in 6/8 the denominator names the eighth, but the beat is the dotted quarter, of which there are two per bar. Metronome markings as a rule refer to the actual beat, not to the denominator.

The beats of a bar are not equal in weight: the first is the heavy one, the rest are lighter, and larger bars have additional secondary points of weight. Subdivisions of the beat are spoken along when counting, with syllables such as “and” or “e-and-a”.

In the notation

The beaming makes the beats visible: eighths and sixteenths are grouped so that each group corresponds to one beat. Whoever surveys a line of music can read from this how the bar is structured, even without reading the time signature again. Deviating beaming is a hint that a different grouping is meant.

Musical use

The beat is the reference point for tempo, conducting, and ensemble playing. A conductor as a rule beats the beats, at a fast tempo larger units. Notation, too, is oriented by it: note values are written and tied so that the beats remain recognizable in the notation — a principle that considerably eases reading.

Beats are counted aloud when practising. In English it is called the beat.

Performance practice

Before practising, determine which unit is actually the beat, especially with compound time signatures. Count subdivisions along when the tempo is slow, and larger units when it is fast. With a metronome marking, check the reference value. And use the beaming as a reading aid: it shows you where the next beat begins.