Firstly, let's review notes in normal/common/4:4 time:
Semiquaver: ¼ beats.
Quaver: ½ beats.
Crotchet: One beat.
Dotted Crotchet: 1.5 beats.
Minim: Two beats.
Dotted Minim: Three beats.
Semibreve: Four beats.
Dotted Semibreve: Six beats
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A time signature tells the reader of the score (composition paper) how many beats are in a bar and the beat duration. For example, 4:4 or common time tells us there are four beats in a bar and the beat duration (what note is each beat worth) is crotchets.
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A more advanced time signature would be 3:8. This time signature tells us that in each bar there are three beats, and that each beat is worth one quaver, instead of crotchets. There are three quaver beats per bar. (This in turn would make crotchets two beats and dotted crotchets three beats).
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Another thing to note is that time signature 4:4 and the time signature 2:2 use these symbols:
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Activity: Work out the time signatures and what they mean. The first is done for you.
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Music theory + Composition Technique (FREE!)
Non-FictionThis book contains information on basic music theory for those wanting to introduce themselves to music and composition. It includes exercises and practices to help you learn quickly, all for free.
