Time Signature Metronome
Allegro
Pick a meter below or type your own in the rhythm pill. The metronome accents the first beat of every group.
What a time signature tells you
The top number is how many beats are in a bar, and the bottom number is the note value that gets one beat: 4 is a quarter note, 8 is an eighth note. 3/4 has three quarter notes per bar, 6/8 has six eighth notes.
How the metronome handles groups
Each meter starts with a common grouping, for example 7/8 as 2+2+3 and 5/4 as 3+2. Type another grouping such as 7/8 3+2+2 to move the accents. Tap any beat to make it louder, softer or silent.
Questions
What is the most common time signature?
4/4. Most pop, rock, hip hop and dance music is written in four quarter-note beats per bar, which is why the metronome starts in 4/4.
What is the difference between 3/4 and 6/8?
Both have six eighth notes per bar, but 3/4 groups them in three pairs (1 and 2 and 3 and), while 6/8 groups them in two threes (1 2 3 4 5 6 with accents on 1 and 4).
Can I set a time signature that is not in the list?
Yes. Open the rhythm pill and type any meter from 1 to 32 beats with a 2, 4, 8 or 16 below, with an optional grouping such as 11/8 3+3+3+2.