Understanding Meter
A brief explanation of how meter works and using various tunes for hymn texts.
A brief explanation of how meter works and using various tunes for hymn texts.
Resources
- Summary of Meter
- Meter Video
- Metrical Tunes in Hymns
- Blog About Hymn Meters
- List of Tunes used by Different Hymns
What is Meter?
Meter in hymns refers to the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in the text, which determines which tunes can be used with which hymn texts. Hymns with the same meter can often be sung to the same tune.
Using Different Tunes
Once you understand a hymn’s meter, you can match it with various tunes that share the same meter pattern. This allows for creative expression and can help you find tunes that better fit your congregation or context.