Simple time:
The beat feels in multiples of 2.
The natural accent falls in multiples of 2 or 3.
Time Signature:
The bottom number tells you the value of the beat. The top number tells you the number of "beats to the bar".
In 3 - 4 time there are 3 crotchet (quarter note) beats to the bar.
When the bottom number is 4 the beat is a quarter note, a crotchet. When the bottom number is 2 the beat is a half note, a minim. /////
Compound time:
The beat feels in multiples of 3.
The natural accent falls in multiples of 2 or 3.
Time Signature:
In all frequently used compound time signatures the bottom number is 8. Three 8th notes (quavers) make a beat.
Divide the top number by 3 for the number of beats to the bar. In 6 - 8 time there are six eighth notes to the bar, two compound beats to the bar.
The beat feels in multiples of 2.
The natural accent falls in multiples of 2 or 3.
Time Signature:
The bottom number tells you the value of the beat. The top number tells you the number of "beats to the bar".
In 3 - 4 time there are 3 crotchet (quarter note) beats to the bar.
When the bottom number is 4 the beat is a quarter note, a crotchet. When the bottom number is 2 the beat is a half note, a minim. /////
Compound time:
The beat feels in multiples of 3.
The natural accent falls in multiples of 2 or 3.
Time Signature:
In all frequently used compound time signatures the bottom number is 8. Three 8th notes (quavers) make a beat.
Divide the top number by 3 for the number of beats to the bar. In 6 - 8 time there are six eighth notes to the bar, two compound beats to the bar.