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Download the pdf of the article. A complete understanding of any tune always begins first with general principles, followed by specifics. It helps to understand not only what we want to achieve, but also mistakes we should avoid. Download a pdf of the article here. First, the tune’s time signature tells us the number of beats per bar and which kind of note gets a beat. In 2/4s, each bar has two beats and a quarter note gets one beat. In 6/8s, each bar has six eighth notes, and a group of three eighth notes gets one beat. Next, we need to understand the particular style of expression for the tune. For example, 2/4 marches are played with a strong dot/cut feel with extra emphasis on each beat. Strathspeys are played with a strong dot/cut feel with extra emphasis on the first and third beats of each bar. These days, jigs are played with the ...