Time Signatures

An indication of rhythm following a clef, generally expressed as a fraction with the denominator defining the beat as a division of a whole note and the numerator giving the number of beats in each bar.

Rhythm Chart Knowledge

A dot on a note adds half the value (dotted half note = quarter notes) (dotted quarter = 3 eighth notes) (dotted eighth note = 3 sixteenth notes)

Number of beats in a measure

Type of note that is counted as the beat/receives one beat

Refer to your Rhythm Chart Knowledge

Simple time Signatures vs Complex Time Signatures

Simple Time Signatures

When the number on the bottom is actually the beat note such as in 3/4 or 4/4 time

Tip for recognizing - the beat splits evenly into two beats (each of the quarter notes in 3/4 or 4/4 would split into two eighth notes)

Examples - 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 3/2, 2/2, 4/8, 2/8

Subtopic

When the bottom number is only a subdivision of the actual beat note such as in 6/8 or 9/8 time. The time signature indicates how many eighth notes make up the measure, but the real pulse that is felt in the music is the dotted quarter note.

Tip for recognizing - the beat splits evenly into three beats (each of the dotted quarter notes in a measure of 6/8 or 9/8 would split into three eighth notes)

Examples - 6/8, 9/8, 12/8, 6/16, 9/16, 12/16,