Common time is represented by 4/4 and is one of the most commonly used time signature found in music. Just like any other time signature, the top number determines the amount of notes in a measure and the bottom number determines the type or length of note in each. So, 4/4 simply means that there are four quarter notes in one measure. However, this is not always the case. Eighth notes, whole notes and even dotted notes can appear or used in 4/4 time. As long as the measure consists of a constant beat equal to four quarter notes, the rhythm is constant and unaltered.
Examples[]
Notes[]
- 4 quarter notes.
- 3 quarter notes and 2 eighth notes.
- 2 quarter notes and 4 eighth notes.
- 1 quarter note and 6 eighth notes.
- 1 whole note.
- 2 half notes.
- 1 half note and 2 quarter notes.
- 1 half note, 1 quarter note and 2 eighth notes.
- 1 half note and 6 eighth notes.
Rests[]
- 4 quarter rests.
- 3 quarter rests and 2 eighth rests.
- 2 quarter rests and 4 eighth rests.
- 1 quarter rest and 6 eighth rests.
- 1 whole rest.
- 2 half rests.
- 1 half rest and 2 quarter rests.
- 1 half rest and 6 eighth rests.