In a measure of three-four time, how many beats are typically counted?

• A. Two beats per measure.
• B. Four beats per measure.
• C. One beat per measure.
• D. Three beats per measure.

Answer: (D)

In a measure with a 3/4 time signature, the upper number tells you how many beats are in each measure and the lower number tells which note value gets one beat. Since the bottom is 4, a quarter note gets one beat, and there are three of them per measure. So you count one, two, three in each bar (and you can subdivide with eighth notes as one-and, two-and, three-and if needed). The other options don’t fit because they would require different signatures: two beats per measure would be 2/4 (or 2/2), four beats per measure would be 4/4, and one beat per measure would not align with having three quarter-note units in the measure. Three beats per measure is the correct count.