Understand
Time Signatures, Bars and Beats
Simple and compound time, and how bars are counted.
Class code
89D7Reading the two numbers
The top number says how many beats are in each bar. The bottom number says which note value gets one beat: 4 means a crotchet, 8 means a quaver, 2 means a minim.
- 4/4 = four crotchet beats
- 3/4 = three crotchet beats (waltz)
- 2/4 = two crotchet beats (march)
Simple versus compound
In simple time each beat divides into two. In compound time each beat divides into three, and the time signature counts those divisions: 6/8 is two dotted-crotchet beats, not six.
6/8 counted: ONE-two-three TWO-two-three
Bar lines
Bar lines group beats so the pulse is easy to read. A double bar line with two dots means repeat; a thick double bar ends the piece.
Try it
Test yourself