Hemiola
A rhythmic device in which two bars of triple time are made to sound like three bars of duple time, or vice versa.
Category
rhythm
Pronunciation
/ˌhɛmiˈəʊlə/
Origin
Greek (hemiolios, one and a half)
Length
191 words · 1 min read
About Hemiola
Hemiola creates a momentary shift in the perceived metre without changing the time signature. In its most common form, within 3/4 time, the natural pattern of three groups of two quavers is replaced by two groups of three quavers across two bars, making three beats feel like two broader beats.
More rhythm terms
Dotted Note
View all rhythmterms →A note followed by a dot, which increases its duration by half its original value.
TripletA group of three notes played in the time normally occupied by two notes of the same value.
MetreThe recurring pattern of strong and weak beats that organises music into regular groups.
PolyrhythmThe simultaneous use of two or more conflicting rhythmic patterns
CrotchetA note lasting one beat in common time, equivalent to a quarter note in American terminology.
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →