Thanks Marion for starting this one which was going to be my next question! This kind of stuff seems to be self evident to the musically gifted but to those like me who'd like to be and aren't, it's a great puzzle. I've sked many people including my music student daughter: Q: Why is it ONE two three four or ONE two three? A: Well, you emphasize the first beat in the bar. Q. Do you mean you make it louder? A: No Q: Do you mean you make it longer? A. No Q: What do you do then? A: You emphasize it, of course! I normally then retire to a bar and sing "There's A Hole in the Bucket". Oddly 3/4 time is fairly rare in folk music (am I right) but seems to be very relaxing. Anyone know the psychology of this?