About Cut Time

Previously, we learned that we can have an enrhythmic rhythm pattern by representing macrobeats, microbeats and divisions with different notes. In this lesson, we will do the same thing in duple meter with a new time signature: Cut Time.

Look at these three rhythm patterns which all sound the same, but are notated differently. 

Rhythm Cells in Cut Time

The time signature Cut Time tells us the music is in duple meter. Additionally, it tells us that macrobeats will be represented by a half note and microbeats will be represented by quarter notes. There are two macrobeats in each measure. Note: sometimes you will see Cut Time notated as 2/2.

Reading Rhythm Patterns In Cut Time