The Time Signature, written immediately after the key signature, typically written as one number above another tells you two things…
- The top number tells you how many beats (pulses) are in a measure.
- The bottom number tell you which type of note gets the beat (pulse).
Let’s learn by example–by seeing the most commonly used time signatures in action on music you’re already familiar with.
2/4 Time Signature
The 2/4 time signature tells us that there are two quarter notes per measure and that each quarter note gets one beat.
Example: Theme from Hogan’s Heroes…
Listen to Frank model how to play while counting the meter out loud…
3/4 Time Signature
The 3/4 Time Signature tells us that there are three quarter notes per measure and that each quarter note gets one beat.
Example: Bach Minuet in G…
Listen to Frank model how to play while counting the meter out loud…
It is often appropriate–depending on the tempo and division of the beats into sub-beats–to also count the “ands” or upbeats. Here, for example is how you might count in order to include the 8th notes…
Listen to Frank model how to play while counting the meter out loud…
4/4 Time Signature
The 4/4 time signature tells us that there are four quarter notes per measure and that each quarter note gets one beat.
Example: The Sound of Silence…
Listen to Frank model how to play while counting the meter out loud…
It is often appropriate, depending on the tempo and division of the beats to also count the “ands” or upbeats. Here, for example is how you might count in order to include the 8th notes…
Listen to Frank model how to play while counting the meter out loud…
6/8 Time Signature
The 6/8 time signature tells us that there are six eighth notes per measure and that each eighth note gets one beat.
Example: Irish Jig…
Listen to Frank model how to play while counting the meter out loud…
By the way, a wide variety of time signatures is possible: 2/2, 3/8, 5/4, 6/4, 7/4, 9/8, 10/8, 12/8 and more!
learn more…
Time & Rhythm: Tempo
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