9/8 Time Signature Metronome
Allegro
9/8: 9 beats per bar in groups of 3+3+3, counted 1 2 3 · 4 5 6 · 7 8 9.
9/8 has nine eighth notes per bar. Grouped 3+3+3 it feels like three big beats; grouped 2+2+2+3 it becomes an odd meter.
How to count 9/8
For 3+3+3 count 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 with accents on 1, 4 and 7: it is a compound triple meter, like a waltz with triplets inside each beat. For 2+2+2+3 type 9/8 2+2+2+3 and count 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 3.
Where you hear 9/8
Irish slip jigs (3+3+3), the Turkish karsilama and Blue Rondo a la Turk by Dave Brubeck (2+2+2+3), and some Greek and Balkan dances.
Questions
Is 9/8 a compound meter?
Grouped 3+3+3, yes: it is compound triple, three beats each split in three. Grouped 2+2+2+3 it is an odd (additive) meter.
What is a slip jig?
An Irish dance tune in 9/8 grouped 3+3+3, usually played at about 120 to 130 dotted quarters per minute.
How do I set 2+2+2+3?
Open the rhythm pill and type 9/8 2+2+2+3. The metronome accents the first eighth of each group.