What are Strong notes and Weak note?

Sorry, to interrupt musicians.

I’m quite confused on the regard on what a strong and weak beats in music.
The problem isn’t the rule themselves, moreover what do they do in music? Is it the noise of the notes themselves?

It would really help if you can explain to me detail by detail and have audio example such as waltz, common time, and other time signature. Thank you have a great rest of your day

It depends on the time signature you’re in to begin with. Let’s take 4/4 or common time.

You have four beats and the quarter note gets the pulse. The strongest beat would be the downbeat (1) and the other “strong” beat is 3. This gives the listener the 4/4 feel.


Strong does not necessarily mean louder (I got confused on this too). Strong means where a cadence could occur, chords change, something new occurs, etc.

Take this for example. Which one gives more of a feel of 4/4?

As for a waltz, it is most commonly written in 3/4 or 6/8. The strong beats in a waltz is the downbeat (1). An example of a waltz bass is:


If you need more examples or anything feel free to send me a DM!

Speaking from knowledge, this topic is bound to be closed off, sadly :frowning:

2 Likes