Is it Okay to use a lot of 16th notes in a 4/4 composition?
Hello, I just had a question about if using more 16th notes in a composition made with a 4/4 time signature. I made a compositipn with the time signature of 4/4 and and with the tempo of Andantino. I'm using a lot of 16th notes throughout the composition, and using half's as well as quarter notes less. Should I change the time signature to 16/16 or should I keep it in 4/4? Here is a screenshot of it.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| 2022-03-13 (1).png | 203.82 KB |
| 2022-03-13.png | 206.47 KB |
Comments
What BPM are you using? Andantino usually means a slow piece, which this doesn't look like. I think 16/16 would not be a good choice. Perhaps a faster tempo using 8th notes might work better.
In reply to What BPM are you using?… by bobjp
That is true, the only problem is that I don't know how to change the notes into a different value.
In reply to That is true, the only… by Musical_Man_1811
Select all, then Edit > Paste double duration into a new score.
In reply to Select all, then Edit >… by Brer Fox
Thanks!
The 4/4 version is much easier to read. I see no problem with the 1/16th notes. They are pretty much standard patterns. Measure 3 is a bit of a problem. The dotted quarters should probably be quarter tied to 1/8th and then 1/8th tied to quarter so that you "expose" beats 3 and 4. However, as always context is everything. If your piece continues to emphasise the 3rd and 6th 1/8ths, writing the rhythm as 2+3+3 as you currently have it may help to show that.
Each melody has its own basic rhythm. In some melodies this is 8th, in others it is 16th. In some, it may be a 4th.
Of course in the melody 32th, 16th, 8th, 4ths and tuplets can be used mixed or continuously.
Accompaniment is another matter. Accompaniment may have a rhythmic structure separate from (or similar to) the melody. And of course there are multiple styles of accompaniment.
You must have a valid reason for using 16/16 and 8/8. Most possible reason: If it contains unequal grouping.
example for 8/8: 3, 3, 2.
example for 16/16 (12+4): 3, 3, 3, 3; 2, 2