Lesson 3: Time Signature and the Downbeat

You can find out the number of beats per measure for any song by reading the time signature at the beginning of the
music. The time signature is made up of two numbers, one above the other. The top number shows the number of
beats per measure. The bottom number shows the kind of note that is the fundamental beat for each measure. We
will learn more about the bottom number later.

3 4 2
4 4 4
‘three-four’ ‘four-four’ ‘two-four’

Each beat in a measure is important, but the first beat, the downbeat, is the strongest. Although it is felt more
strongly, it is not usually played more loudly. Now clap the beats in the following lines, emphasizing the downbeats.

Karl CHANG E-mail: ckh1011@gmail.com

Master in Music / LRSM / DipABRSM / AMusTCL Phone: 852-60509371
 Lesson 3: Activities and Exercises
1. Count the beats per measure in the examples below and write them in the boxes.
2. Clap the beats in the lines, emphasizing the downbeats.

Marks: /6
3. Listen to Mr. Karl playing a short piece. Clap with the beat, emphasizing the downbeat. Try to count the
beat and find the top number of the time signature.

Karl CHANG E-mail: ckh1011@gmail.com

Master in Music / LRSM / DipABRSM / AMusTCL Phone: 852-60509371