Time Signature
also called “4/4”also called “3/4”also called “6/8”also called “meter”
The short version
How many beats are in a bar before the count starts over.
In 4/4 you count 1-2-3-4 forever — most pop, rock, hip-hop and dance. In 3/4 you count 1-2-3, which feels like a waltz. In 6/8 you count 1-2-3-4-5-6 but feel it as two big swaying pulses.
Feel the difference
Count out loud with each one.
4/41 2 3 4 — pop, rock, hip-hop, house
3/41 2 3 — waltz, country ballads
6/81 2 3 4 5 6 — felt as two big sways
Why you'd careIt sets where the strong beat lands. Put a snare in the wrong place for the meter and the whole thing trips over itself.
Go deeper
The top number is beats per bar; the bottom number says which note value counts as one beat (4 = quarter note, 8 = eighth note). 6/8 is a compound meter: two beats, each split into three.
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