Understanding Time Signatures

What does the top number in a time signature represent?

• a) The type of beat

• b) The number of beats in a bar

• c) The tempo of the music

• d) The duration of a note

What is the common abbreviation for the time signature 4/4?

• a) 4/4

• b) C

• c) 2/2

• d) 4/8

What does the bottom number in a time signature represent?

• a) The type of beat

• b) The number of beats in a bar

• c) The tempo of the music

• d) The duration of a note

What is the time signature for a bar with four minims?

• a) 2/2

• b) 3/4

• c) 4/4

• d) 6/8

What does the time signature 4/4 mean?

• a) Four crotchet beats per bar

• b) Four minim beats per bar

• c) Four quaver beats per bar

• d) Four semibreve beats per bar

What is the time signature for a bar with eight quavers?

• a) 4/4

• b) 6/8

• c) 8/8

• d) 16/8

What is the time signature for a bar with one minim and two crotchets?

• a) 1/2

• b) 2/4

• c) 3/8

• d) 4/4

What is the difference between common time (C) and cut common time (C with a line through it)?

• a) Common time has 4 crotchet beats, while cut common time has 2 minim beats.

• b) Common time has 2 minim beats, while cut common time has 4 crotchet beats.

• c) Common time is used for slower music, while cut common time is used for faster music.

• d) There is no difference between common time and cut common time.

How are quavers grouped in a time signature with an eight at the bottom?

• a) In groups of 2

• b) In groups of 3

• c) In groups of 4

• d) In groups of 5

What does the time signature 3/8 mean?

• a) Three crotchet beats per bar

• b) Three minim beats per bar

• c) Three quaver beats per bar

• d) Three semibreve beats per bar