INI

Time Signatures - INI

Time signatures are fractional symbols placed at the beginning of musical notation, where the numerator indicates beats per measure and the denominator indicates which note value receives one beat. They are broadly classified into simple meters (2/4, 3/4, 4/4, etc.) and compound meters (6/8, 9/8, 12/8, etc.), each with distinct rhythmic feels and accent patterns. As one of the most fundamental elements in Western music theory, time signatures determine the interpretation of tempo and rhythm in performance.

music theory sheet music rhythm meter simple meter compound meter notation

[item.two-four]
code=2/4
slug=two-four
name=Two-Four Time
description=Simple duple meter with two quarter notes per measure. Commonly used in marches.
accentPattern=Strong-Weak
beatUnit=Quarter note
beatsPerMeasure=2
category=Simple Meter
alternativeSymbol=
compoundBeats=

[item.three-four]
code=3/4
slug=three-four
name=Three-Four Time
description=Simple triple meter with three quarter notes per measure. The classic waltz time signature.
accentPattern=Strong-Weak-Weak
beatUnit=Quarter note
beatsPerMeasure=3
category=Simple Meter
alternativeSymbol=
compoundBeats=

[item.four-four]
code=4/4
slug=four-four
name=Four-Four Time
description=Simple quadruple meter with four quarter notes per measure. The most common time signature, also called Common Time.
accentPattern=Strong-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak
beatUnit=Quarter note
beatsPerMeasure=4
category=Simple Meter
alternativeSymbol=C
compoundBeats=

[item.six-eight]
code=6/8
slug=six-eight
name=Six-Eight Time
description=Compound duple meter with six eighth notes per measure. Features a swaying, two-beat feel.
accentPattern=Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak
beatUnit=Eighth note
beatsPerMeasure=6
category=Compound Meter
alternativeSymbol=
compoundBeats=2

[item.nine-eight]
code=9/8
slug=nine-eight
name=Nine-Eight Time
description=Compound triple meter with nine eighth notes per measure. A flowing triple meter feel.
accentPattern=Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak
beatUnit=Eighth note
beatsPerMeasure=9
category=Compound Meter
alternativeSymbol=
compoundBeats=3

[item.twelve-eight]
code=12/8
slug=twelve-eight
name=Twelve-Eight Time
description=Compound quadruple meter with twelve eighth notes per measure. Often used in blues and soul music.
accentPattern=Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak
beatUnit=Eighth note
beatsPerMeasure=12
category=Compound Meter
alternativeSymbol=
compoundBeats=4

[item.two-two]
code=2/2
slug=two-two
name=Two-Two Time
description=Simple duple meter with two half notes per measure. Also called Alla Breve or Cut Time.
accentPattern=Strong-Weak
beatUnit=Half note
beatsPerMeasure=2
category=Simple Meter
alternativeSymbol=C|
compoundBeats=

[item.five-four]
code=5/4
slug=five-four
name=Five-Four Time
description=Irregular/Additive meter with five quarter notes per measure. Creates a unique atmosphere with its irregular rhythm.
accentPattern=Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak or Strong-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak
beatUnit=Quarter note
beatsPerMeasure=5
category=Irregular/Additive Meter
alternativeSymbol=
compoundBeats=

[item.seven-four]
code=7/4
slug=seven-four
name=Seven-Four Time
description=Irregular/Additive meter with seven quarter notes per measure. Features complex and unique rhythmic patterns.
accentPattern=Various (2+2+3, 3+2+2, etc.)
beatUnit=Quarter note
beatsPerMeasure=7
category=Irregular/Additive Meter
alternativeSymbol=
compoundBeats=

[item.three-eight]
code=3/8
slug=three-eight
name=Three-Eight Time
description=Simple triple meter with three eighth notes per measure. Used at faster tempos than 3/4 time.
accentPattern=Strong-Weak-Weak
beatUnit=Eighth note
beatsPerMeasure=3
category=Simple Meter
alternativeSymbol=
compoundBeats=