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

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