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Time Signatures - XML

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

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<items>
  <item>
    <code>2/4</code>
    <slug>two-four</slug>
    <name>Two-Four Time</name>
    <description>Simple duple meter with two quarter notes per measure. Commonly used in marches.</description>
    <accentPattern>Strong-Weak</accentPattern>
    <beatUnit>Quarter note</beatUnit>
    <beatsPerMeasure>2</beatsPerMeasure>
    <category>Simple Meter</category>
    <alternativeSymbol></alternativeSymbol>
    <compoundBeats></compoundBeats>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>3/4</code>
    <slug>three-four</slug>
    <name>Three-Four Time</name>
    <description>Simple triple meter with three quarter notes per measure. The classic waltz time signature.</description>
    <accentPattern>Strong-Weak-Weak</accentPattern>
    <beatUnit>Quarter note</beatUnit>
    <beatsPerMeasure>3</beatsPerMeasure>
    <category>Simple Meter</category>
    <alternativeSymbol></alternativeSymbol>
    <compoundBeats></compoundBeats>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>4/4</code>
    <slug>four-four</slug>
    <name>Four-Four Time</name>
    <description>Simple quadruple meter with four quarter notes per measure. The most common time signature, also called Common Time.</description>
    <accentPattern>Strong-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak</accentPattern>
    <beatUnit>Quarter note</beatUnit>
    <beatsPerMeasure>4</beatsPerMeasure>
    <category>Simple Meter</category>
    <alternativeSymbol>C</alternativeSymbol>
    <compoundBeats></compoundBeats>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>6/8</code>
    <slug>six-eight</slug>
    <name>Six-Eight Time</name>
    <description>Compound duple meter with six eighth notes per measure. Features a swaying, two-beat feel.</description>
    <accentPattern>Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak</accentPattern>
    <beatUnit>Eighth note</beatUnit>
    <beatsPerMeasure>6</beatsPerMeasure>
    <category>Compound Meter</category>
    <alternativeSymbol></alternativeSymbol>
    <compoundBeats>2</compoundBeats>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>9/8</code>
    <slug>nine-eight</slug>
    <name>Nine-Eight Time</name>
    <description>Compound triple meter with nine eighth notes per measure. A flowing triple meter feel.</description>
    <accentPattern>Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak</accentPattern>
    <beatUnit>Eighth note</beatUnit>
    <beatsPerMeasure>9</beatsPerMeasure>
    <category>Compound Meter</category>
    <alternativeSymbol></alternativeSymbol>
    <compoundBeats>3</compoundBeats>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>12/8</code>
    <slug>twelve-eight</slug>
    <name>Twelve-Eight Time</name>
    <description>Compound quadruple meter with twelve eighth notes per measure. Often used in blues and soul music.</description>
    <accentPattern>Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak</accentPattern>
    <beatUnit>Eighth note</beatUnit>
    <beatsPerMeasure>12</beatsPerMeasure>
    <category>Compound Meter</category>
    <alternativeSymbol></alternativeSymbol>
    <compoundBeats>4</compoundBeats>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>2/2</code>
    <slug>two-two</slug>
    <name>Two-Two Time</name>
    <description>Simple duple meter with two half notes per measure. Also called Alla Breve or Cut Time.</description>
    <accentPattern>Strong-Weak</accentPattern>
    <beatUnit>Half note</beatUnit>
    <beatsPerMeasure>2</beatsPerMeasure>
    <category>Simple Meter</category>
    <alternativeSymbol>C|</alternativeSymbol>
    <compoundBeats></compoundBeats>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>5/4</code>
    <slug>five-four</slug>
    <name>Five-Four Time</name>
    <description>Irregular/Additive meter with five quarter notes per measure. Creates a unique atmosphere with its irregular rhythm.</description>
    <accentPattern>Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak or Strong-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak</accentPattern>
    <beatUnit>Quarter note</beatUnit>
    <beatsPerMeasure>5</beatsPerMeasure>
    <category>Irregular/Additive Meter</category>
    <alternativeSymbol></alternativeSymbol>
    <compoundBeats></compoundBeats>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>7/4</code>
    <slug>seven-four</slug>
    <name>Seven-Four Time</name>
    <description>Irregular/Additive meter with seven quarter notes per measure. Features complex and unique rhythmic patterns.</description>
    <accentPattern>Various (2+2+3, 3+2+2, etc.)</accentPattern>
    <beatUnit>Quarter note</beatUnit>
    <beatsPerMeasure>7</beatsPerMeasure>
    <category>Irregular/Additive Meter</category>
    <alternativeSymbol></alternativeSymbol>
    <compoundBeats></compoundBeats>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>3/8</code>
    <slug>three-eight</slug>
    <name>Three-Eight Time</name>
    <description>Simple triple meter with three eighth notes per measure. Used at faster tempos than 3/4 time.</description>
    <accentPattern>Strong-Weak-Weak</accentPattern>
    <beatUnit>Eighth note</beatUnit>
    <beatsPerMeasure>3</beatsPerMeasure>
    <category>Simple Meter</category>
    <alternativeSymbol></alternativeSymbol>
    <compoundBeats></compoundBeats>
  </item>
</items>