Time Signatures

Time Signatures

Time signatures look like fractions. They help to organize rhythm in western music. Time Signatures are found after the clef symbol. The top number in a time signature usually denotes the number of beats (the steady re-occurring pulse in the music) in each measure. A measure of music is a specific length of time equal to a specific number of beats. The bottom number in a time signature usually represents the type of note that will receive one beat (a 4 represents a quarter note, a 2 represents a half note, an 8 represents an eighth note, etc.). The chart below is a set of typical time signatures with an explanation of each number.

44 f our beats in a measure, a quarter note value equals a beat. 34 three beats in a measure, a quarter note value equals a beat.

2 4

two beats in a measure, a quarter note value equals a beat.

54 five beats in a measure, a quarter note value equals a beat.

22 two beats in a measure, a half note value equals a beat.

28 two beats in a measure, an eighth note value equals a beat. 38 three beats in a measure, an eighth note value equals a beat.

48 four beats in a measure, an eighth note value equals a beat. 136 three beats in a measure, a sixteenth note value equals a beat.

Measure Lines Practice

In the examples below place measure lines in the appropriate places keeping in mind the time signature. Remember notes that are found within a beam usually equal a beat. The examples may not end with complete measures.

3 4 4 4

4 4

3 4

2 4

5 4

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