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Common time
01
a musical meter with a 4/4 time signature, indicating four beats per measure
What is "common time"?
Common time is a musical term that refers to a time signature with four beats per measure, where each beat is represented by a quarter note. It is typically notated as 4/4 at the beginning of a piece of music. In common time, each measure, which is a segment of the music separated by bar lines, contains four beats, providing a regular and familiar rhythmic framework for musicians to follow and perform.
Example
The conductor signaled for the orchestra to start playing in common time, setting a steady rhythm of four beats per measure.
As a drummer, he counted in common time to maintain the tempo and ensure rhythmic accuracy during the performance.
The melody flowed smoothly in common time, with each measure divided into four equal parts.
