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Time Values and Time Signatures
An introduction to basic time signatures, which can help guide students in composing and arranging by providing a framework for rhythmic structures.
Author:
Jaeda Ar-Razi
Edu Level: NCSE,CSEC
Date: Jul 11, 2024
⏱️Read Time: 1 min
Note Values -Time Values
| Note Value | Name (American) | Name (British) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 beats | Whole note | Semibreve |
| 2 beats | Half note | Minim |
| 1 beat | Quarter note | Crotchet |
| 1/2 beat | Eighth note | Quaver |
| 1/4 beat | Sixteenth note | Semiquaver |
Time Signatures
A time signature is a piece of information at the beginning of a piece of music, indicating how many note values of a specific note are included in one bar or measure.
The image above shows various examples of time signatures.
In a time signature:
- The number on top indicates how many beats are included in a bar or measure
- The number on the bottom indicates what type of beat or note value is included in a bar or measure.
4/4 is commonly referred to as “Common Time” and contains 4 - quarter notes or 4 - crotchet notes per bar.
2/2 is commonly referred to as “Cut Time” and contains 2 - half notes or 2 - minim notes per bar.
Common Time symbol
Cut Time symbol (Alla Breve)