1. What a time signature means
A time signature usually has two numbers. The top number tells how many beats or beat divisions are in a measure. The bottom number tells what note value is being counted. In 4/4, there are four quarter-note beats per measure. In 3/4, there are three quarter-note beats per measure.
2. Simple meter
In simple meter, each beat divides naturally into two parts. Examples include 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4. Count eighth notes as “1-and-2-and.” Simple duple means two main beats, simple triple means three main beats, and simple quadruple means four main beats.
3. Compound meter
In compound meter, each main beat divides naturally into three parts. Examples include 6/8, 9/8, and 12/8. In 6/8, the music often feels like two big beats, each divided into three smaller pulses: “ONE-la-li TWO-la-li.”
Simple duple
Two beats, each divides into two.
Simple triple
Three beats, waltz-like feel.
Simple quadruple
Four beats, very common.
Compound duple
Two big beats, each divides into three.
4. How to feel meter
Strong and weak beats matter. In 4/4, beat 1 is usually strongest, beat 3 is medium-strong, and beats 2 and 4 are weaker. In 3/4, beat 1 is strong and beats 2 and 3 are weaker. In 6/8, the two big pulses are often on 1 and 4.
Mini quiz
Is 6/8 usually simple or compound?
Compound, because each main beat divides into three smaller pulses.