time signature
Beats per measure
A time signature is the notation at the beginning of a musical score indicating meter—how many beats per measure and what note value gets one beat.
The top number shows beats per measure; the bottom shows the note value.
Common time is 4/4; a waltz is typically 3/4.
The drummer struggled with the odd time signature.
Dance in three-quarter time
simple · polymeter · asymmetric · irregular · additive · jig · reel · barcarolle
Organization's workers collectively
- barlineVertical line dividing measures
- numeratorNumber being divided
- denominatorFraction's bottom number
- scoreNumerical standing in competition
transcription · bar · measure · pickup · lead sheet · chart
Stressed unexpected beats
- polyrhythmOverlapping musical beat patterns
- cross-rhythmSimultaneous contrasting beat patterns
- claveLatin music's rhythmic spine
- swingSuspended recreational seat
shuffle · groove · accent · downbeat · upbeat · subdivision · backbeat · pulse
waltz
Dance in three-quarter time
compound · simple · polymeter · asymmetric · irregular · additive · jig · reel · barcarolle · mazurka
staff
Organization's workers collectively
- barlineVertical line dividing measures
- numeratorNumber being divided
- denominatorFraction's bottom number
score · transcription · bar · measure · pickup · lead sheet · chart
syncopation
Stressed unexpected beats
- polyrhythmOverlapping musical beat patterns
- cross-rhythmSimultaneous contrasting beat patterns
- claveLatin music's rhythmic spine
swing · shuffle · groove · accent · downbeat · upbeat · subdivision · backbeat · pulse · offbeat
jazz
Improvisational American music genre
prog rock · Balkan · African · Latin · flamenco · bossa nova · tango · samba · rumba · funk
- rhythmbeat, pulse, tempo, downbeat, upbeat
- music elementsmelody, harmony vocals, rhythm, beat, chord
- rhythmsbeat, rhythm, syncopation, offbeat, cadence
- classical music termspiano concerto, violin concerto, concerto, sonata, tone poem
- music fundamentalsdo, re, mi, fa, sol
- music notationtreble clef, bass clef, clef, clefs, staff