* 4/4 time: This is the most common time signature in Western music. It consists of four beats per measure, with the first beat being accented.
* 3/4 time: This time signature consists of three beats per measure, with the first beat being accented.
* 2/4 time: This time signature consists of two beats per measure, with the first beat being accented.
* 6/8 time: This time signature consists of six beats per measure, with the first and fourth beats being accented.
* 9/8 time: This time signature consists of nine beats per measure, with the first, fourth, and seventh beats being accented.
Compound Beats
Compound beats are created by combining two or more basic beats into a single beat. For example, a 6/8 time signature can be thought of as two 3/4 time signatures combined into one.
Some common compound beats include:
* 12/8 time: This time signature consists of twelve beats per measure, with the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth beats being accented.
* 15/8 time: This time signature consists of fifteen beats per measure, with the first, fourth, seventh, tenth, and thirteenth beats being accented.
* 18/8 time: This time signature consists of eighteen beats per measure, with the first, fourth, seventh, tenth, thirteenth, sixteenth, and nineteenth beats being accented.
Syncopated Beats
Syncopated beats are created by accenting beats that are not normally accented. For example, in a 4/4 time signature, the second and fourth beats are normally accented. In a syncopated beat, the third and fourth beats might be accented instead.
Syncopation can create a sense of tension and excitement in music. It can also be used to create a more danceable beat.
Hemiola
Hemiola is a rhythmic device that creates the illusion of two different time signatures being played at the same time. This is achieved by accenting beats that are not normally accented.
For example, in a 4/4 time signature, the first beat of each measure is normally accented. In hemiola, the third beat of each measure is also accented. This creates the illusion of a 3/4 time signature being played over the top of the 4/4 time signature.
Hemiola can be used to create a sense of interest and variety in music. It can also be used to create a more danceable beat.