Strange Timing

1998-12-23 05:00 am

I'm entering a song that's in 6/8 time. A lot of the measures have in the treble clef 2 pair of 8th notes, and each pair has a "2" beside them. The corresponding bass clef will have 2 dotted quarter notes. This time does not match at all. What does the "2" mean? The triplet icon is not enabled. I find I can make the measures identical if I simply dot the four eighth notes. Is this OK? Why was the song written the way it is. Thanks for all help.
Gordon

Re: Strange Timing

Reply #1 – 1998-12-23 05:00 am

You are seeing duplets, which, unlike triplets, are not supported in NWC. Dotting the eight notes is equivalent.

Re: Strange Timing

Reply #2 – 1998-12-23 05:00 am

Thank you, Blair, for clearing this up for me. I appreciate it.
Gordon