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Grade 2 - Time Signatures

Practise time signatures so you can play your favourite tunes!

Grade 2 - Time Signatures

Time signatures tell you how music is counted. In Grade 2, you will read simple meters like 2/2, 3/4, and 6/8 to keep steady beats.

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Fascinating Fact:

Cut time 2/2 feels brisk. Two minim beats per bar. Conduct down up and count one and two and.

In Specialist Music Theory Grade 2 time signatures, you learn what the top and bottom numbers mean, how many beats are in a bar, and which note value takes the beat. You will meet common meters such as 2/2, 3/4, 4/4, and 6/8, and practise grouping notes and rests to match each beat pattern.

  • Time signature: A symbol of two numbers that shows beats per bar and the note value that gets one beat.
  • Simple time: Each beat divides into two equal parts, for example 2/2 or 3/4.
  • Compound time: Each beat divides into three equal parts, for example 6/8 counted as two dotted crotchet beats.
What does the time signature 2/2 mean?

2/2, called cut time, has two beats per bar and the minim gets one beat. Count it as one and two and with a quick feel.

How do you count 6/8 in Grade 2 theory?

Count 6/8 as two big beats per bar, each dividing into three. Say one-and-a, two-and-a to feel the compound subdivision.

What is the difference between simple and compound time?

In simple time each beat splits into two equal parts. In compound time each beat splits into three equal parts, giving a lilting feel.

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Author:  Kathleen Shuster (experienced music teacher and music theory writer)

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