Time signatures tell us how many and what kind of notes per measure to play. The number on the top is the number of notes per measure, and the bottom number is what kind of note value. Looking at 4/4, you will see the 4 on top. We know this means 4 beats per measure. The bottom number can be 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, etc.
Lets take a look at the following chart.
Bottom Number Value
- 1 Whole - 1 note
- 2 Half - 1/2 note
- 4 Quarter - 1/4 note
- 8 Eighth - 8th note
- 16 Sixteenth - 16th note
- 32 ThirtySecond - 32nd Note
Example:
3/4 is 3 quarter notes per measure.
5/2 is 5 half notes per measure.
6/8 is 6 eighth notes per measure.
Common Time (Same as 4/4 time)
Cut Time Same as 4/4 but everything is cut in half.
Try experimenting with different time signatures in your music. Good Luck!
