Additive Meter - Simple Time Signatures

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:

    The real drawback to “the simple life” is that it is not simple. If you are living it, you positively can do nothing else. There is not time.
    Katharine Fullerton Gerould (1879–1944)

    There never has been a time in our history when work was so abundant or when wages were as high, whether measured by the currency in which they are paid or by their power to supply the necessaries and comforts of life.
    Benjamin Harrison (1833–1901)

    So many signatures for such a small heart.
    Mother Teresa (b. 1910)