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Time Signatures - YAML

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: "2/4"
  slug: "two-four"
  name: "Two-Four Time"
  description: "Simple duple meter with two quarter notes per measure. Commonly used in marches."
  category: "Simple Meter"
  beatsPerMeasure: 2
  beatUnit: "Quarter note"
  accentPattern: "Strong-Weak"
- 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."
  category: "Simple Meter"
  beatsPerMeasure: 3
  beatUnit: "Quarter note"
  accentPattern: "Strong-Weak-Weak"
- 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."
  category: "Simple Meter"
  beatsPerMeasure: 4
  beatUnit: "Quarter note"
  accentPattern: "Strong-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak"
  alternativeSymbol: "C"
- 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."
  category: "Compound Meter"
  beatsPerMeasure: 6
  beatUnit: "Eighth note"
  compoundBeats: 2
  accentPattern: "Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak"
- 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."
  category: "Compound Meter"
  beatsPerMeasure: 9
  beatUnit: "Eighth note"
  compoundBeats: 3
  accentPattern: "Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak"
- 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."
  category: "Compound Meter"
  beatsPerMeasure: 12
  beatUnit: "Eighth note"
  compoundBeats: 4
  accentPattern: "Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak"
- 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."
  category: "Simple Meter"
  beatsPerMeasure: 2
  beatUnit: "Half note"
  accentPattern: "Strong-Weak"
  alternativeSymbol: "C|"
- 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."
  category: "Irregular/Additive Meter"
  beatsPerMeasure: 5
  beatUnit: "Quarter note"
  accentPattern: "Strong-Weak-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak or Strong-Weak-Medium Strong-Weak-Weak"
- 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."
  category: "Irregular/Additive Meter"
  beatsPerMeasure: 7
  beatUnit: "Quarter note"
  accentPattern: "Various (2+2+3, 3+2+2, etc.)"
- 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."
  category: "Simple Meter"
  beatsPerMeasure: 3
  beatUnit: "Eighth note"
  accentPattern: "Strong-Weak-Weak"