Waltz

About Waltz

Waltz is the most common triple-meter feel in Western music. The defining pattern is ONE-two-three with the first beat strongly accented and beats 2 and 3 light. At dance tempos it creates a rotational, circular sensation — the body naturally wants to turn with the rhythm. The bass hits on beat 1, inner voices on 2 and 3. Classical waltzes range from stately Viennese (fast) to slow romantic ballads.

How to identify it

• 1Count along — if you reach 3 before the next strong beat, it's waltz
• 2The bass note is on beat 1; the chord follows on 2 and 3
• 3The body naturally starts to sway — it's a very physical meter
• 4Distinguish from 6/8: waltz is ONE-two-three; 6/8 is ONE-two-three-FOUR-five-six

Train this style

Famous examples

Often confused with