Time Signatures

Question 1

Simple Time

Answer 1

This means that the beats can be divided into twos. A crotchet beat, for example, can be divided into two quavers. Similarly, a minim beat can be divided into two crotchets, and a quaver into two demiquavers.

Question 2

Compound Time

Answer 2

In compound time, the beats divide into threes. They are written as dotted notes. For example, a dotted crotchet can divide into three quaver beats. In Grade 3 the dotted crotchet is taken as the sign for one beat in compound time signatures.

Question 3

6

8

Answer 3

2 dotted crotchet (quarter-note) beats in a bar

Question 4

9

8

Answer 4

3 dotted crotchet (quarter-note) beats in a bar

Question 5

12

8

Answer 5

4 dotted crotchet (quarter-note) beats in a bar

Question 6

2

4

Answer 6

2 crotchets in a bar

Question 7

3

4

Answer 7

3 crotchets in a bar

Question 8

4

4

Answer 8

4 crotchets in a bar

Question 9

Grouping notes in compound time

Answer 9

You can divide a single dotted crotchet into a crotchet and a quaver or a quaver and a crotchet. However, a minim and two quavers could not be used as it suggests that the rhythm is 3/4

Question 10

Grouping rests in compound time

Answer 10

You can write a one-beat rest in 6/8, 9/8 or 12/8 as either a dotted crotchet rest or a crotchet rest and a quaver rest.

Question 11

Simple time

Answer 11

3/8  3/2
2/4  4/2
3/4  4/8
4/4     
2/2

Question 12

Compound time

Answer 12

6/8 12/16
9/8 9/16
9/4 6/16
6/4 12/8