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How to Apply Meter
There is no “right way” to apply meter. However, since each meter has a different and distinct sound for the most part, certain meters will lend themselves better to a particular section of a composition. 6/8 will most often have a relaxing and swaying sound while 11/8 will most often be used to create a lot of tension in the song. Experiment with the different possibilities for your own compositions and see which meter will help you portray the emotion you are trying to best.
Now, when it comes to applying multiple types of meter, the meters could fall under two broad categories. One is simply using meter to create a dramatic effect while the other is used to create a greater amount of tension.
When using meter to create a dramatic effect, often times there will be a focus meter that is being used for the majority of the section, and then every once in a while a different meter is introduced for just a brief moment. For this example there are three measures of a 4/4 meter and on the fourth measure, it switches to 7/8. Listen how the tension is built just at the end of each progression.
 Listen to this example
When changing meters every measure, a good amount of tension will occur. For this example, there are four measures and each is a new time signature. The tension is built because it does not have a steady groove or rhythm to it. For this example, we will use 4/4, 3/4, 7/8, and 6/8 for our meters.
Listen to this example
Zack Uidl
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© Zack Uidl 2009. All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.
 Page 3 - Polyrhythm and Polymeter
Page 1 - So What is Meter? - Simple Meter
Understanding Meter and its Application
Jump Zone
Zack Uidl
zack@zackuidl.com
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About Zack Uidl
Zack Uidl is a professional guitarist, studio/session musician, instructor, and composer in the Chicago-land area. He is one of the founding members, songwriters, and guitarists for the progressive metal band Thoughts Betrayed. He currently is an instructor both privately and at JC’s Guitars in Algonquin, Illinois. Zack has studied with the best guitarists in the industry including Tom Hess, Zvonimir Tot, Mike Walsh, Jody Fisher to name a few. He is a highly regarded clinician, author, and performer.
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