So much music has been written over the centuries using the time signatures of 3/4 and 4/4, especially 4/4. If I were to have a guess, I would say that of all the western tradition music ever written, well over half has been written in 4/4 time. It is so prevalent that sometimes the letter ‘C’ (short for common) is used to indicate 4/4.
So what is the difference between the two time signatures? Technically 3/4 has three crochet (or quarter note) beats in each bar while 4/4 has four crochet (or quarter note) beats in each bar.
Sound wise, there is a huge difference between the two time signatures and in my opinion, the difference is not always fully understood, even by experienced amateur performing musicians. I have heard some musicians play a piece that is originally a piece of music meant to be played in 3/4 time and reshape it into 4/4 time and in the process completely destroying the feel, the beauty and the magic that the piece of music has. Again, it is my opinion, but I think that taking a piece of music that is supposed to be in 3/4 time and molding it into 4/4 time is butchering it. I know that using the word ‘butchering’ may seem harsh but I do think it is accurate.
Personally, I love 3/4 time. I love playing it and I love hearing it. For me, it is probably my favourite time signature. The time signature of 3/4 is sometimes known as waltz time because you can literally waltz to it! I would describe it as a circular motion, because if you are familiar with waltzing, you would know that each pair of dancers move in their own little circles on the dance floor. If you are listening to anything in 3/4 you could easily draw circles to fit the movement and flow that this time signature has. I also think that 3/4 also lends itself to the movement of a person swaying side to side.
Here is a list of some music that is in 3/4 time:
Dancing in the Dark by Ed Sheeran
Piano Man by Billy Joel
Mull of Kintyre by Wings
Que Sera Sera by Doris Day
My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music
Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson
That’s Amore by Dean Martin
ANYTHING that has the word ‘waltz’ in the title
4/4 time signature has a completely different feel to it and whether you are a musician or someone who likes to listen to music, it is the time signature that we all are the most familiar with. It is the beat and the feel of traditional rock ‘n’ roll music. The vast majority of modern music would be in 4/4 time, I would estimate at least 95 percent of all commercially produced music since the 1950’s would be in 4/4 time. Apart from rock ‘n’ roll dancing, square dancing would also be in 4/4 time.
So 4/4 time is the time signature that we all have been exposed to the most over the years but it is important to remember that 3/4 is not just technically different to 4/4 music – it has a completely different feel and rhythm to it and learning to play 3/4 music well is well worth the effort (and yes, I am biased…).