Time Signatures

Time Signatures

Reading Time Signatures

• The TOP number tells how many beats are in each measure

• The BOTTOM number tells what kind of note gets each beat

The music can contain any kind of notes, as long as they equal the same as 4 quarter notes in each measure.

Frequently Used

Time Signatures

Common time is the one used most often

Cut time has two strong beats, march style

3/4 time has one strong and two weak beats, giving a waltz feel

6/8 time has two strong beats with a triple-meter subdivision (like a fast waltz)

Examples

See how the number of beats is represented by the type of note as given in the time signature