Time signatures fall into two basic categories - Simple time and compound time. Simple time is any time signature where the basic beat is divisible by two. E.g., in *, ^ and % the basic beat is a quarter note, which may be divided in half to become two eighth notes per beat. Any time signature where the basic beat is divisible by three is called compound time. The most common example of compound time is six eight time ()). Other examples of compound are _ and +. In compound time, the basic beat is felt as a dotted quarter note which can be divided by three.
This is the six eight time signature.
There are six eighth notes in one bar of ) time. The six eighth notes are divided into two groups of three.
When playing ) time there are two beats within each bar with each beat being a dotted quarter note. (This is different to * and ^ time where each beat is a quarter note). Accent (play louder) the 1 and 4 count to help establish the two beats per bar.
Try the following exercise which is in ) time. Special attention should be given to the count below the music. Listen to the recording to hear the correct timing.
This traditional American song is in ) time and is in the key of A minor. It contains a G# note in bar 14 which is played on the 3rd string, 1st fret.