Simple Time Signatures
Simple time signatures consist of two numerals, one stacked above the other:
- the lower numeral indicates the note value which represents one beat (the "beat unit");
- the upper numeral indicates how many such beats there are in a bar.
For instance, 2
4 means two quarter-note (crotchet) beats per bar; 3
8 means three eighth-note (quaver) beats per bar.
The most common simple time signatures are 2
4, 3
4, and 4
4.
Read more about this topic: Additive Meter
Famous quotes containing the words simple, time and/or signatures:
“‘Tis the gift to be simple ‘tis the gift to be free
‘Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be
And when we find ourselves in the place just right
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.”
—Unknown. ‘Tis the Gift to Be Simple.
AH. American Hymns Old and New, Vols. I–II. Vol. I, with music; Vol. II, notes on the hymns and biographies of the authors and composers. Albert Christ-Janer, Charles W. Hughes, and Carleton Sprague Smith, eds. (1980)
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—François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680)
“So many signatures for such a small heart.”
—Mother Teresa (b. 1910)