The bottom number is the beat
Top and bottom
The top number says how many beats are in a bar. The bottom number says which note is the beat:
- 2 means minim beats;
- 4 means crotchet beats;
- 8 means quaver beats.
Quick check
In a time signature, what does a bottom number 2 mean?
The Grade 2 time signatures
Learn these by heart
| 2 beats | 3 beats | 4 beats | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minim beats | | | |
| Crotchet beats | | | |
| Quaver beats | |
New at Grade 2: , , and .
Quick check
How many beats, and what kind, does give each bar?
Remember
- Top number: how many beats. Bottom number: which note is the beat.
- 2 minims, 4 crotchets, 8 quavers.
This question is in Brainlag Plus