How to Work Out the Time Signature (Grade 5 Music Theory, ABRSM)

MORE MUSIC THEORY VIDEOS HERE: How to Work Out the Time Signature (Grade 5 Music Theory, ABRSM) Brought to you by . [Please watch this video first! ] In the grade 5 music theory exam you will probably be asked to work out the time signature of a few bars. Start by counting the number of beats in one bar (choose the easiest note to count, depending on what note values are in the bar). Then try to divide the bar into 2, 3 or 4 equal sized blocks. Beams won't cross over blocks - they will be broken when the block is broken. Ties can join blocks together. If two quick notes like quavers or semiquavers are not beamed, the second one will be the start of a new block (i.e. new main beat). Count up the notes per block to work out the time signature. If you can't divide up the bar into 2, 3 or 4 equal blocks, it will be irregular