Beat Reading Time Signatures and Meter

Question 1

What does the top number in a time signature indicate?

Accepted Answer

Number of beats per measure

Answer

The top number tells the performer how many beats are in each measure.

Question 2

Which time signature is known as 'waltz time'?

Accepted Answer

3/4

Answer

3/4 time, with three beats per measure, gives the characteristic waltz feel.

Question 3

What is a simple meter?

Accepted Answer

A meter where each beat divides into two equal parts

Answer

In simple meter each beat naturally divides into two equal subdivisions.

Question 4

What is compound meter?

Accepted Answer

A meter where each beat divides into three equal parts

Answer

In compound meter each beat divides into three equal parts, such as in 6/8 or 9/8.

Question 5

In 2/4 time, which beat is typically the strongest?

Accepted Answer

Beat 1

Answer

In 2/4 time beat 1 is the strong downbeat and beat 2 is the weak upbeat.

Beat Reading Practice Test