time signatures using values other than 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12 for the top number
Nontraditional time signatures
Related Dictionary Terms
Asymmetrical meter
Shared keywords
usually, time signatures with 5 or 7 as the top number
Asymmetrical time signature
Shared keywords
usually, time signatures with 5 or 7 as the top number
Broken time
Shared keywords
the interposition of short sections (general only a bar or two) in a contrasting time signature; unusual time signatures that…
Changing time signatures
Shared keywords
see in Time Signatures
Common time
Shared keywords
the time signature 4/4 See common time in Elements of a Musical Score see in Time Signatures
Cut time
Shared keywords
quick duple time in which the half note is given one beat instead of two See cut time in Elements of a Musical Score see in T…
Fractional time signature
Shared keywords
a meter time signature in which the top number includes or is a fraction
Time Signature
Shared keywords
A symbol placed at the left side of the staff indicating the meter of the composition. See time signature in Elements of a Mu…