Time Signature Guide

Understanding common time signatures, their beat patterns, and where they are used in music.

4/4

Common Time

4 quarter notes per measure

Feel:

Strong-weak-medium-weak

Pattern:

1-2-3-4

Examples:

Most pop, rock, jazz, classical

3/4

Waltz Time

3 quarter notes per measure

Feel:

Strong-weak-weak

Pattern:

1-2-3

Examples:

Waltz, minuet, many ballads

2/4

March Time

2 quarter notes per measure

Feel:

Strong-weak

Pattern:

1-2

Examples:

Marches, polkas

6/8

Compound Duple

6 eighth notes (2 groups of 3)

Feel:

Strong-weak-weak-medium-weak-weak

Pattern:

1-2-3-4-5-6

Examples:

Irish jigs, some ballads, barcarolles

2/2

Cut Time

2 half notes per measure

Feel:

Strong-weak

Pattern:

1-2

Examples:

Fast marches, some Broadway

3/8

Quick Triple

3 eighth notes per measure

Feel:

Strong-weak-weak

Pattern:

1-2-3

Examples:

Fast waltzes, some Baroque dances

9/8

Compound Triple

9 eighth notes (3 groups of 3)

Feel:

Strong-weak-weak repeated

Pattern:

1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9

Examples:

Slip jigs, some classical

12/8

Compound Quadruple

12 eighth notes (4 groups of 3)

Feel:

Swung/shuffle feel

Pattern:

4 groups of 3

Examples:

Blues, slow rock, R&B ballads

5/4

Irregular/Asymmetric

5 quarter notes (3+2 or 2+3)

Feel:

Varies (3+2 or 2+3)

Pattern:

1-2-3-4-5

Examples:

"Take Five" by Dave Brubeck

7/8

Irregular

7 eighth notes (various groupings)

Feel:

Asymmetric groove

Pattern:

2+2+3 or 3+2+2

Examples:

Balkan music, prog rock

How to Read Time Signatures

A time signature has two numbers. The top number tells you how many beats are in each measure. The bottom number tells you what note value gets one beat (4 = quarter note, 8 = eighth note, 2 = half note).

Simple vs. Compound Time

Simple time (2/4, 3/4, 4/4) divides each beat into two equal parts. Compound time (6/8, 9/8, 12/8) divides each beat into three equal parts, creating a triplet feel.