Time Signatures
The time signature, located at the left hand side of the staff, next to the clef, is the fraction-like notation used to designate how many beats are in a measure and what type of note gets the beat.
The top number indicates how many beats are in the measure.
The bottom number indicates what type of note gets the beat.
Thus, in four-four time there are four beats per measure and the quarter note gets the beat.
Photo Credit: [Time Signature] Learning and Loving mUsic Theory retrieved on 9/19/2013 from music-theory.ascensionsounds.com
Other Common Time Signatures:
2 3 6 3 6 2
4 4 4 8 8 2
2 3 6 3 6 2
4 4 4 8 8 2
Tempo
In music it is important to keep a steady beat throughout the entire piece and that is noted by the Tempo. Tempo includes what type of note gets the beat, like a quarter note, and a number value for the Beats per Minute (bpm). A Metronome is a device that clicks to a set tempo and is used to keep a musician in time.
Follow the following link, and listen to the podcast created by LA School of Guitar. It includes the importance of keeping a steady rhythm with a metronome and practice exercises to build up a better beat. The entire podcast is about twelve minutes long.
Follow the following link, and listen to the podcast created by LA School of Guitar. It includes the importance of keeping a steady rhythm with a metronome and practice exercises to build up a better beat. The entire podcast is about twelve minutes long.