I do not understand time signatures and can not find videos that explain why they matter.
How is 3/4 and 6/8 different and would a song sound different if a 6/8 song was played in 3/4?
Why not just write every song in common time and move the measure line?
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Time signatures not only give beats per measure but also timing per beat. So a 6/8 is essentially 6 eighth notes per measure. A 4/4 is 4 quarter notes per measure. But also important is beat emphasis. (strong/medium/weak)
4/4 is commonly played as strong – weak – medium – weak. (ONE two Three four)
3/4 is commonly played as strong – weak – weak (waltz) (ONE two three)
6/8 is commonly played as strong – weak – medium – weak – medium – weak (sounds like 3 “pairs” in a measure)
Each time signature conveys a different intent from the songwriter/arranger to the performer. This might mean less to a soloist who can freely modify their approach but in groups, having all the players coordinate their emphasis is quite crucial or the outcome sounds disjointed.
Then, for more advanced styles, a musician can swing or syncopate certain counts in the time signature.
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