Time signature

Common time - four quarter-note beats per bar. The default in pop, rock, and most Western music.

Waltz time - three quarter-note beats per bar. Creates a lilting, flowing feel.

The song moves between two or more time signatures.

Compound quadruple - four groups of three eighth notes. Common in blues, ballads, and slow rock.

The song moves between three or more distinct time signatures across its sections.

Compound duple - two groups of three eighth notes. Creates a swaying, rocking feel distinct from 3/4.

Song uses a non-standard time signature outside the common 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, and 12/8.

March time - two quarter-note beats per bar. Strong downbeat emphasis, used in marches and polkas.

Five quarter-note beats per bar - an asymmetric meter creating an off-kilter, restless feel. Famously used in Take Five.

Seven quarter-note beats per bar - an asymmetric meter often grouped as 4+3 or 3+4.

Eleven eighth-note beats per bar - a rare, complex asymmetric meter.

Seven eighth-note beats per bar - typically grouped 2+2+3 or 3+2+2. Common in Balkan and progressive rock.

Ten eighth-note beats per bar - a rare asymmetric meter, often grouped as subdivisions of 2s and 3s.

Six beats per bar, typically in two groups of three - slow waltz feel.

Cut time - two beats per bar, each subdividing into two half-notes.

Compound triple - three groups of three eighth notes. Less common but creates a rolling, triple feel.