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:
- 2 hours
- at most, online
- 75
- marks
- 7
- sections
- 10Section 1: Rhythm
- 10Section 2: Pitch and transposition
- 15Section 3: Keys and scales
- 10Section 4: Intervals
- 10Section 5: Triads and chords
- 10Section 6: Terms, signs and instruments
- 10Section 7: Music in context
Checked against the ABRSM syllabus and exam pages, 9 October 2026. Source: ABRSM Music Theory qualification specification.
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.
| Beat | Duple | Triple | Quadruple |
|---|---|---|---|
| minim | 2/2 | 3/2 | 4/2 |
| crotchet | 2/4 | 3/4 | 4/4 |
| quaver | 3/8 | 4/8 (new) |
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.
| Beat | Duple | Triple | Quadruple |
|---|---|---|---|
| dotted minim | 6/4 (new) | 9/4 (new) | |
| dotted crotchet | 6/8 | 9/8 | 12/8 |
| dotted quaver | 6/16 (new) | 9/16 (new) | 12/16 (new) |
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.)
- The top number, 6, divides by 3: compound time.
- 6 divided by 3 is 2 beats: duple.
- 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.
This question is in Brainlag Plus