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  2. AP Music Theory
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Meter and Time Signature

Hannah Hill

Hannah Hill

8 min read

Next Topic - Rhythmic Patterns

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers time signatures and meter for the AP Music Theory exam. It explains how to decode time signatures (top/bottom numbers, the fraction trick), simple vs. compound meters, and duple, triple, and quadruple meters. It also discusses strong and weak beats (downbeat, offbeat, upbeat), asymmetrical meters, and common time signatures like 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8, and 9/8. Finally, it covers hemiola and includes practice questions on these concepts.

#AP Music Theory: Time Signatures & Meter - The Night Before 🎶

Hey there, future music maestro! Let's get you prepped and confident for your AP Music Theory exam. This guide is designed to be your quick, go-to resource for all things time signatures and meter. Let's dive in!

#Time Signatures: The Basics

Time signatures are like the blueprints of rhythm, telling us how many beats are in each measure and what kind of note gets one beat. Think of them as the rhythmic backbone of a song! 🧮

#Decoding the Numbers

  • Top Number: Indicates the number of beats or beat divisions per measure.

  • Bottom Number: Tells you which note value gets one beat or beat division. Don't let it confuse you; use the trick below! 👇

Memory Aid

The Fraction Trick: To figure out what note gets the beat, replace the top number with a '1' and keep the bottom number. This creates a fraction that represents the note value. For example, in 3/4 time, the fraction becomes 1/4, meaning a quarter note gets one beat. In 6/8 time, it becomes 1/8, meaning an eighth note gets one beat division.

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#Simple vs. Compound Meters

  • Simple Meters: Each beat is divided into two equal parts (or multiples of two). Think of it as a "straight" feel. Examples: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4. * Compound Meters: Each beat is divided into three equal parts. It has a "triplet" feel. Examples: 6/8, 9/8, 12/8.
    Key Concept

Key Point: The top number in a compound meter indicates the number of beat divisions, not the number of beats. For example, 6/8 has two beats (each divided into three), not six.

#Duple, Triple, and Quadruple Meters

  • Duple: 2 beats per measure (e.g., 2/4, 6/8)

  • Triple: 3 beats per measure (e.g., 3/4, 9/8)

  • Quadruple: 4 beats per measure (e.g., 4/4, 12/8)

Quick Fact

**Quick ...

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Previous Topic - Simple and Compound Beat DivisionNext Topic - Rhythmic Patterns

Question 1 of 11

In a time signature, what does the bottom number indicate? 🤔

The number of beats in a measure

The note value that gets one beat or beat division

The tempo of the music

The number of measures in a piece