In simple time
- The beat feels in multiples of 2.
- The natural accent falls in multiples of 2 or 3.
![](https://musicarrangers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/t03a_up.gif)
Time Signature
The bottom number tells you the value of the beat. The top number tells you the number of “beats to the bar”.
In 3 – 4 time there are 3 crotchet (quarter note) beats to the bar.
When the bottom number is 4 the beat is a quarter note, a crotchet. When the bottom number is 2 the beat is a half note, a minim.
![](https://musicarrangers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/t03c.gif)
Feel
Have a listen to some simple time rhythms.
melody | rhythm | ||
![]() | 2 – 4 simple time 2 crotchet beats to the bar. | ||
![]() | 3 – 4 simple time 3 crotchet beats to the bar. | ||
![]() | 4 – 4 simple time 4 crotchet beats to the bar. |
There are a wide variety of 4 – 4 rhythms. Here are some examples.
Disco | Rock | Motown | 8ths feel | 16ths Rock | Rock Bossa |
Bossanova | Samba | Beguine | Mambo | Rhumba | Latin Rock |