time signature explained
theoryTYM SIG-nuh-chur
A detailed guide to the numerical notation that indicates meter in music.
The time signature is a pair of numbers placed at the beginning of a piece (and wherever the meter changes), telling the performer how beats are organised in each measure. The top number indicates how many beats per measure; the bottom number indicates which note value receives one beat. In 4/4 (common time), there are four quarter note beats per measure. In 3/4 (waltz time), there are three quarter note beats. In 6/8, there are six eighth note beats, typically grouped in two sets of three, creating a compound meter feel. Cut time (2/2 or alla breve) has two half-note beats per measure. Odd time signatures like 5/4, 7/8, and 11/8 create asymmetric metres found in progressive rock, jazz, and Eastern European folk music. The time signature, together with the tempo, determines how the music feels in time.