Time signature

The “time signature” of a tune describes the basic structure of each bar of a tune. The number below indicates the musical value, while the number above indicates the amount of these values per bar.

Example a) 4-4 time signature indicates 4 quarter notes per bar:

Example b) 6-8 time signature indicates 6 eighth notes per bar:

TED-Ed: A different way to visualize rhythm - John Varney