The Time Signature, written immediately after the key signature, is a pattern of numbers that looks like a fraction that 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).
Commonly used Time Signatures
The Time Signature 2/4 tells us that there are two quarter notes per measure and that each quarter note gets one beat.
Example: Theme from Hogan’s Heroes…
Don’t just read and think this stuff. It’s critically important that you internalize these ideas using all four musical intelligences: intellect, ears, eyes, & muscles!
Listen to Frank model how to play while counting the meter out loud…
Note: This is a lot harder than most people realize–but having the discipline to do this will work wonders for your rhythm!
The Time Signature 3/4 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…
The Time Signature 4/4 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…
This Time Signature 6/8 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!