Every simple and compound time signature

The Grade 4 exam

Grade 4 theory is an online exam in seven sections, marked out of 75, with up to two hours. Keys and scales carries the most marks; the other sections are worth 10 each:

The first lesson of the course is free; the rest is part of Plus.

Simple time

In simple time each beat is a plain note that divides into two. The top number is the number of beats, the bottom number the kind of beat.

Compound time

In compound time each beat is a dotted note that divides into three: the top number is 6, 9 or 12. Divide it by 3 for the beats. Grade 4 adds compound time with dotted minim and dotted quaver beats.

Worked example: describe 6/16

To find which time signature fits a bar, add up the bar in crotchets first; to complete a bar, find what is missing and fill it. Then describe the time like this. (6/8 has two dotted crotchet beats; 4/4 has four crotchet beats.)

1. The top number, 6, divides by 3: compound time.
2. 6 divided by 3 is 2 beats: duple.
3. The bottom number 16 means semiquavers, and three of them make each beat: a dotted quaver.

So 6/16 is compound duple, with two dotted quaver beats.

Tip: 3/8 is simple triple (three quaver beats), but 6/8 is compound duple. Compound time needs at least two groups of three.

Upbeats, recapped

A melody may start with an upbeat: a short first bar before the first strong beat. The last bar is short by the same amount, so the upbeat and the last bar together make one full bar.