part 1 2 introduction to simple time

Introduction to simple time

Nick Redfern www.nickredfern.co.uk/www.nickredfern.org Contact: [email protected]

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Theory for musicians

Unit handbook 1

Part 2




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An introduction to simple time _________________________________3

Time signatures in simple time _____________________________________ 5



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An introduction to simple time

The basic concept behind simple time is that every beat is divisible by

two. The term simple time does not refer to simple or simplistic rhythms.

There are two general methods of describing rhythms

Classical & US/Sequencing

Divide by two Divide by two

Semibreve Minim Minim

Whole note half note half note

Divide by two Divide by two

1) How many crotchet/quarter notes in a semibreve/whole note?



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2) How many quavers/eighth notes in minim/half note?

3) How many semiquavers/sixteenth notes in a crotchet/quarter note?

4) How many semiquavers in a minim?

5) How many quavers in a semibreve?

6) How many semiquavers in a semibreve?



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Time signatures in simple time

A time signature tells the performer:

How many beats in the bar

and

What type of beat

4/4 is a fraction which represents four quarters.

Which rhythm is known as a quarter note?

So 4/4 literally means

The upper note of the time signature signifies:

The lower note of the time signature signifies:



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So if 4/4 means four crotchets to a bar complete the bar and the phrase::

2/4 means

3/8 means

2/2 means

4/16 means

3/4 means

4/2 means

3/16 means



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Add time signatures to the following:

1)

2)

3)

4)

Add barlines to the following.

1)

2)

3)

4)



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Each bracket signifies a missing note. Add the correct note to make the

bar complete.

1)

2)

3)

4)

part 1 2 introduction to simple time

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