Time Signatures and Accent Patterns
A time signature has two numbers: the top number shows how many written notes are in each bar, and the bottom number shows the written note value.
In music theory, simple time groups beats in twos (common in 2/4, 3/4, 4/4), while compound time groups in threes (6/8, 9/8, 12/8). For example, 6/8 is often counted as two groups of three — 3 + 3 — but it can also be set to straight 8ths for six equal beats when you want even clicks.
Odd time signatures mix groups of two and three, such as 5/4 or 5/8 counted as (3 + 2) or (2 + 3), and 7/8 counted as (2 + 2 + 3) or (3 + 2 + 2). Some signatures share the same grouping but differ in note value (e.g., 6/8 versus 6/4), which changes how dense the pulses feel at the same BPM.
This metronome accents the downbeat at the start of every bar. Choose a time signature, then select an accent option to set the grouping you want — for example (3 + 3) or (2 + 2 + 3), or pick "Straight" options for even clicks. For custom groupings, use Advanced to build uneven subdivisions like 8-16 or 16-8-16.
| Time | Accent Options | Feel |
|---|
| 2/4 | - Straight Quarters
- 8th Subdivision
| Simple duple |
| 3/4 | - Straight Quarters
- 8th Subdivision
| Simple triple |
| 4/4 | - Straight Quarters
- 8th Subdivision
| Simple quadruple |
| 3/8 | - Straight 8ths
- 16th Subdivision
| Simple triple |
| 5/4 | | Odd time |
| 5/8 | | Odd time |
| 6/4 | | Compound duple |
| 6/8 | | Compound duple or six equal beats |
| 7/4 | | Odd time |
| 7/8 | | Odd time |
| 9/8 | | Compound triple |
| 12/8 | | Compound quadruple |
Time Signatures FAQ
How to know if a time signature is compound or simple?
Simple time uses beats that divide into two equal parts (typically with 2, 3, or 4 on top). Compound time uses beats that divide into three equal parts; the beat is a dotted value and the number of beats is the top number divided by three (commonly 6, 9, or 12 on top).
What is an odd time signature?
Odd (irregular or complex) meters use mixed groupings of two and three within a bar. Common examples include 5/8 or 5/4 grouped as (3 + 2) or (2 + 3), and 7/8 grouped as (2 + 2 + 3) or (3 + 2 + 2).
How to count 12/8 time signature?
12/8 is compound quadruple: four beats per bar, each beat divides into three eighths. A typical count is (1-la-li 2-la-li 3-la-li 4-la-li), with a primary stress on each numbered beat.
How to count 9/8 time signature?
9/8 is compound triple: three beats per bar, each beat subdivides into three eighth notes. A common count is (1-la-li 2-la-li 3-la-li).
How to count 3/8 time signature?
3/8 has three eighth-note pulses per bar. Count the three equal eighths (1-2-3); at faster tempos it is often felt as a single beat with a three-part subdivision.
What's the difference between 3/4 and 6/8?
3/4 is simple triple: three quarter-note beats per bar, each beat divides into two. 6/8 is compound duple: two beats per bar, each beat is a dotted quarter dividing into three eighths. Both contain six eighths per bar, but the grouping and internal accents differ.
What is Swing Percentage?
Swing percentage is an expression of the rhythmic relationship between two 8th notes in a beat.
A common example would be 66%, the so-called "triplet swing". The first 8th note takes up two-thirds (66%) of the quarter beat's time, so it's basically a quarter note followed by an 8th note. A 75% swing percentage would be a dotted quarter note followed by an 8th note.
We could say that the first 8th note takes up as much as the swing percentage's time from the quarter beat, and the second 8th note takes the rest. Going by this logic, we could create a "reverse swing" by going below 50%, and 50% would be just straight 8th notes, no swing at all so to speak.
Explanation video
Some commonly used swing percentages are:
- 57% - Septuplet Swing
- 60% - Quintuplet Swing
- 66% - Triplet Swing