Time Signature
A time signature is represented by two numbers, one above the other.
The time signature tells us how notes are grouped together in a composition.
The top number tells us the number of notes that are grouped in a bar.
The bottom number tells us the type of notes (note quality) in the group:
A time signature of 4/4 tells us that a bar has four notes of quarter note quality.
A time signature of 6/8 tells us that there are six notes of eight note quality in a bar.
A time signature of 3/4 tells us that there are three notes of quarter note quality in a bar.
A time signature also tells us something about the rhythm of a composition. It tells us what beat to emphasize. Most modern compositions are created in 4/4-time signature, which, due to its popularity, is known as common time. A 6/8-time signature is also popular in many genres of music.
In a 4/4-time signature, the first beat (downbeat) is usually accented and played louder than the other three beats within a bar. This accented beat informs the other performers of the commencement of a bar and reinforces the rhythm that gets the audience clapping or swaying with the beat. In many compositions in 4/4-time signature, the third beat is slightly accented but not as strongly as the downbeat.
In 6/8-time signature, which is typical for many rock and metal composers, the first beat is heavily accented with the fourth beat also accented but slightly less than the downbeat accent.
To set the time signature, select the icon as shown below.
