1. Understanding Time Signatures
SIMPLE METERS
BY EARL W. COTE`
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2. When we look at the time signature we have to remember what the top and
bottom numbers mean. As long as you understand those numbers playing in
that particular time should be fairly easy.
The top number refers to the number of beats in every measure
The bottom number refers to what kind of note equals one beat.
The time signature is always placed at the beginning of every musical
composition. It sets the style of the composition and helps all of the musicians to
count in the same manner so as to be in the same place at the same time.
Imagine how hard it would be to have 85 musicians all playing their part by
counting anyway they want. The meter is to provide common counting practices
among musicians.
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3. Any time signature that is
divisible by an even number is
considered simple meter.
Examples of simple meter are: 2/2,2/4,
3/4, 4/4,
¾ time is considered simple triple
meter but still falls under the simple
category
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4. Time signatures that are multiples
of 3 and have eighth notes as their
base are considered compound
meter
Examples of compound
meters are 6/8, 9/8, 12/8
In compound meter, the eighth note
is equal to one beat and the top
number tells us that there are either
6,9, or 12 eighth note equivalent in
every measure
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