If a song has three beats per measure the top number is

Common Time Signatures Sometimes 4/4 time is represented by a large C, because it is also know as common time. The time signature 3/4 tells a musician that a quarter note represents one beat in a measure (the lower number) and that there will be three beats in each measure (the top number).

1. What does the top number tell you about the beats?
2. When there are three big beats in each measure we call it?

What does the top number tell you about the beats?

The top number of the time signature tells you how many beats to count. This could be any number. Most often the number of beats will fall between 2 and 12. The bottom number tells you what kind of note to count.

When there are three big beats in each measure we call it?

2/2 and 2/8 are also simple duple. 3/4 time is classified as simple triple. “Triple” refers to the three beats per measure. “Triple” refers to the three beats per bar.