What meter is song in?

To determine the meter of a song, listen to the underlying pulse, or _beat_, and count the number of beats in each measure, or _bar_. The time signature at the beginning of the sheet music will tell you how many beats are in each measure, and which note value gets one beat.

4/4 time is the most common meter, with four beats in each measure and the quarter note getting one beat. Here are some other common meters:

- 2/2 time: Two beats in each measure, the half note getting one beat.

- 3/4 time: Three beats in each measure, the quarter note getting one beat.

- 6/8 time: Six beats in each measure, the eighth note getting one beat.

- 12/8 time: Twelve beats in each measure, the eighth note getting one beat.