Composite time signatures

Composite meters (, for example) are not only valuable for creating unusual time signatures, but also for creating accurate beaming patterns. Finale uses the time signature to determine beaming patterns, you can create a meter such as , and all music you enter will be automatically be beamed in eighth-note groups of three, two, and two, for example. (Once you’ve created a custom “beaming signature” in this way, you can even select a time signature to appear in the score that’s different from the underlying beaming signature; see To create custom beaming patterns.)

To create a composite meter

1. Click the Time Signature Tool  . A handle appears on each barline.
2. Double-click the measure in which you want the new meter to begin. The Time Signature dialog box appears.
3. Click Composite. The Composite Time Signature dialog box appears. The composite time signature you create here will affect the beaming of notes in your music.
4. Enter the series of numbers for the top half of the time signature in the first Beat Group: text box. If you want to create a time signature, for example, simply type 3+2+2 in the first text box of the beat groups: section. You can enter a decimal value, such as 3.5, as well. If you want to create a time signature type the 3 in the first text box and the 2 in the second text box.
5. Press Tab to jump to the lower box. Enter the lower number of the time signature in the Beat Duration: text box. Type the 8 for the lower half of the composite time signature (for theexample) in the first text box. If you are creating a time signature, type a 4 in the first text box, and a 4 in the second text box to finish creating the time signature. Finale will only accept standard denominator values. For example, there’s no such thing as a “third note,” so you can’t enter a 3 into this text box; Finale will round off any such number to a legitimate value (1, 2, 4, 8, and so on).
6. Click OK (or press return). You return to the main Time Signature dialog box. If you wish, you can click More Choices, and then select Use a Different Time Signature for Display. In this expanded version of the Time Signature dialog Finale displays a second composite button which will take you to an identical Composite Time Signature dialog box. With this dialog box you have the opportunity to create a separate composite time signature for display purposes only (the composite time signature created in the upper section of the dialog will be used to decide how the music will be beamed). See Beaming and Time signatures for details.
7. Specify the range of measures to be affected by this meter change. Enter the measure numbers in the Measure __ Through __ text boxes (or Through End of Piece).
8. Click OK (or press return).

To remove a composite meter

1. Click the Time Signature Tool ; then double-click the first measure in which the composite meter appears. The Time Signature dialog box appears.
2. Click the Composite button. The Composite Time Signature dialog box appears.
3. Click Clear, and click OK. You return to the main Time Signature dialog box, where you can specify a replacement time signature.