So far, we’ve been counting in 4 time – a time signature of 4/4, with 4 beats in each bar – and in 2 time – a time signature of 2/4, with 2 beats in each bar.

Now, it’s time to start counting in 3 time – a time signature of 3/4, with 3 beats in each bar!

3/4 is most commonly associated with the waltz, a popular dance in 3 time, or ‘triple meter’ … Um-cha-cha … Um-cha-cha … Um-cha-cha … Um-cha-cha.

The structure of the beats is characterised by having a strong first beat in each bar, and then two weaker ones … strong-weak-weak … strong-weak-weak … strong-weak-weak.

In 2/4, we feel it like this … strong-weak … strong-weak …

And in 4/4, like this … strong-weak-strong(ish)-weak … strong-weak-strong(ish)-weak ...

Having an odd number of beats in each bar slightly complicates the bowing! Often, one bar will start on a down-bow, the next on an up-bow, the next on a down-bow, the next on an up-bow, etc., etc.

Another new feature in Three Cheers is the dotted note. The little dot placed after a note adds half of the note’s time value to it. So, a half note (minim) with a dot – a dotted half note – will last for three beats. Half of 2 = 1 … add on the 1 = 3!!