TSV
Time Signatures - TSV
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
code slug name description accentPattern beatUnit beatsPerMeasure category alternativeSymbol compoundBeats
2/4 two-four Two-Four Time Simple duple meter with two quarter notes per measure. Commonly used in marches. Strong-Weak Quarter note 2 Simple Meter
3/4 three-four Three-Four Time Simple triple meter with three quarter notes per measure. The classic waltz time signature. Strong-Weak-Weak Quarter note 3 Simple Meter
4/4 four-four Four-Four Time Simple quadruple meter with four quarter notes per measure. The most common time signature, also called Common Time. Strong-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak Quarter note 4 Simple Meter C
6/8 six-eight Six-Eight Time Compound duple meter with six eighth notes per measure. Features a swaying, two-beat feel. Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak Eighth note 6 Compound Meter 2
9/8 nine-eight Nine-Eight Time Compound triple meter with nine eighth notes per measure. A flowing triple meter feel. Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak Eighth note 9 Compound Meter 3
12/8 twelve-eight Twelve-Eight Time Compound quadruple meter with twelve eighth notes per measure. Often used in blues and soul music. Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak Eighth note 12 Compound Meter 4
2/2 two-two Two-Two Time Simple duple meter with two half notes per measure. Also called Alla Breve or Cut Time. Strong-Weak Half note 2 Simple Meter C|
5/4 five-four Five-Four Time Irregular/Additive meter with five quarter notes per measure. Creates a unique atmosphere with its irregular rhythm. Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak or Strong-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak Quarter note 5 Irregular/Additive Meter
7/4 seven-four Seven-Four Time Irregular/Additive meter with seven quarter notes per measure. Features complex and unique rhythmic patterns. Various (2+2+3, 3+2+2, etc.) Quarter note 7 Irregular/Additive Meter
3/8 three-eight Three-Eight Time Simple triple meter with three eighth notes per measure. Used at faster tempos than 3/4 time. Strong-Weak-Weak Eighth note 3 Simple Meter