Simple time

In simple time, the top figure reflects the number of beats in each measure, or metrical unit; the bottom figure indicates the note value that receives one beat (here, respectively, half note, quarter note, eighth note, and sixteenth note).

1. What is the difference between simple and compound time?
2. Why is it called simple time?
3. What is a simple time signature?

What is the difference between simple and compound time?

Simple time signatures can be sub-divided into equal groups of two, whereas compound time signatures can be sub-divided into beats of three. For example, in the simple time signature of 2/4, there are four quavers in each bar.

Why is it called simple time?

Each time signature can be classified into a certain meter. The terms duple, triple, and quadruple refer to the number of beats in a measure. ... The term simple means that each of these beats can be broken into two notes.

What is a simple time signature?

Simple time signatures consist of two numerals, one stacked above the other: The lower numeral indicates the note value that represents one beat (the beat unit). This number is typically a power of 2. The upper numeral indicates how many such beats constitute a bar.