Time Signatures Explained

[@alestoppa2007]

Thanks. I am confused about the bottom #. For example in 4/4 signature is it saying to play the notes as 1/4 notes? Why then I hear /4 /8 and /16 notes played on the snare in 4/4 signature songs..

[@Chainsawmaniacguitar]

The time signature is not telling you which notes to play like that. You're talking about the rhythm of the notes (quarter, eighth notes etc.). The time signature is telling you about the accents on the beats (or the basic count- '1 2 3 4' etc.). The lower number is referring to how one beat is WRITTEN in the music (i.e. is it a quarter note for one beat? Then it'll be /4 etc.). Also, sometimes it make sense for the drummer to fill in between the beats to keep the music going.

[@C011at3rAlxM0rR1]

Thank you

[@jose2226]

You duck