This is the most common time signature used in popular music, light classics, ballads, etc.

Four four time is indicated by a time signature as follows:

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This is found at the beginning of the piece just the same as three four time signature.

This time signature tells you that there must be 4 beats in each bar as indicated by the TOP figure and each beat has the value of a crotchet, as indicated by the BOTTOM figure.?

As four four time is the one most commonly used it is called Common Time and is sometimes indicated by a large capital C instead of figures.?

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Both of the above illustrations are therefore correct and indicate the same four four time.?

Remember that the time signature has nothing to do with the tempo or timing

It's purpose is to indicate how many beats you count in each bar.

Your counts must be kept even.? You remember that when dealing with three four time you learnt to count 1 2 3 evenly for each bar.? In four four time you count 1 2 3 4 evenly for each bar.?

Practice counting up to 4 evenly and slowly and remember there is no pause in between each group of counts

?????????????????????1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4?

When trying four four time counting for the first time you can imagine you are walking down the street and your steps are left, right, left, right. but try instead to say one, two, three, four.? This is exactly the beat of four four time.

Click on? Four Four Time.MUS for 'Finale' example of Four Four time.

"Jingle Bells" is a simple tune which provides an exercise in four four time.? You can obtain a "Finale" copy of? "Jingle Bells" by clicking on?? JingleBells.MUS