Common Time
Pronunciation: KAH-mon time
What is Common Time?
Common Time is a time signature marked by 4 beats per measure, with the quarter note having a single beat. It is a musical meter symbolized by the letter “C,” and is the only time signature indicated by a marking aside from the typical numerical fraction.
Key Takeaways
- Common Time is the most frequently used time signature in music.
- Common Time means there are four beats per measure.
- It is represented by the symbol “C” and is the only time signature that can be indicated with a symbol, aside from its fraction of 4/4.
Understanding Common Time
Common Time is represented by the fraction 4/4 and is the most common and simplest time signature. The 4/4 meter does not mean, however, that each measure only has four quarter notes. It means that for each measure, there are beats that contain several different notes, such as a quarter note, eighth note, half rest, half notes, and other values.
Related Terms
Cut Time Cut time is a time signature that’s also known as Alle Breve, or cut common time. more
Andante Andante is a time indicator placed above a piece of music that tells the musician to play the song at a moderately slow pace. more
A Tempo A Tempo is an indicator on a musical composition indicating to return to the original tempo or the song. more
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