Time Signatures

Question 1

What does a simple time signature mean?

Answer 1

A simple time signature means that the beat is divisible by two. ie. a crotchet beat can be divided into two quavers. In this time signature quavers are grouped in two (pairs). 4/4

Question 2

What does a compound time signature mean?

Answer 2

A compound time signature means that the beat is divisible by three (3). ie. a dotted crotchet beat can be divided into three quavers. In this time signature quavers are grouped in threes. 6/8

Question 3

What is the technical definition of a time signature?

Answer 3

A time signature tells us two things: the top number tells us how many beats per bar and the bottom number tells us the value of the beat. ie. 4/4 means that there are 4 crotchet beats per bar; 6/8 means that there are 6 quaver beats per bar.

Question 4

2/4 means?

Answer 4

Simple Duple: Two crotchet beats per bar

Question 5

3/4 means?

Answer 5

Simple Triple: Three crotchet beats per bar

Question 6

4/4 means?

Answer 6

Simple Quadruple: Four crotchet beats per bar

Question 7

2/2 means?

Answer 7

Cut Common or Alla Breve Time: Two minim beats per bar

Question 8

6/8 means?

Answer 8

Compound Duple: Six quaver beats per bar (grouped in 3’s) creating two dotted crotchet beats per bar overall.

Question 9

9/8 means?

Answer 9

Compound Triple: Nine quaver beats per bar (grouped in 3’s) creating three dotted crotchet beats per bar overall.

Question 10

12/8 means?

Answer 10

Compound Quadruple: 12 quaver beats per bar (grouped in 3’s) creating four dotted crotchet beats per bar overall.