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.

Rhythm

Time signature

Subdivision

Accents

Sound

Count-in

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.