What are the different types of time signatures in piano music?

Simple time signatures are time signatures where each beat is divided into two equal parts. They typically have 2, 3, or 4 beats per measure, with each beat represented by a note value like a quarter note or half note. Common examples include 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4.

In 2/4 time, there are two beats per measure, with each beat represented by a quarter note. This time signature is commonly used in marches, polkas, and other rhythmic dance music.

 In 2/2 time (also known as cut time) there are two beats per measure and each beat is a half note. It is often used in fast-paced pieces like marches.

8/8 time has eight beats per measure, each an eighth note. It is more common in contemporary or experimental music and is often subdivided in various ways to create unique rhythmic structures. It may feel like a 4/4 but it allows for different groupings such as 3+3+2 or 3+2+3.

In 3/2 time, there are three beats per measure and each beat is a half note. It is often used in classical music, especially in slower, more stately pieces.

Compound time signatures are a type of time signature where each beat is divided into three equal parts, rather than two. They typically have a higher number on the bottom of the time signature, such as 6/8, 9/8, or 12/8. This creates a "feel" of beats grouped in threes, giving music a flowing or lilting rhythm.

In 6/8 time, there are six beats per measure, and each beat is an eighth note. You generally count in two groups of three (1-2-3, 4-5-6), which creates a smooth, lilting rhythm. This time signature is common in folk music and compound meter pieces.

In 4/4 time, there are four beats per measure and each beat is a quarter note. This is one of the most familiar and versatile time signatures in piano music, often referred to as "common time" and used in a wide variety of musical genres.

6/4 time has six beats per measure, each a quarter note. It is often used in classical music or marches that require a more deliberate, ponderous rhythm.

In 9/8 time, there are nine beats per measure, each an eighth note. Typically, it’s grouped into three sets of three (1-2-3, 4-5-6, 7-8-9). This time signature is often found in folk and classical music, especially in dance forms like the jig.

12/8 time has twelve beats per measure, with each beat being an eighth note. It is typically grouped in four sets of three (1-2-3, 4-5-6, 7-8-9, 10-11-12), giving a smooth, flowing rhythm. This time signature is common in blues, gospel, and jazz.

In 3/4 time, there are three beats per measure, with each beat represented by a quarter note. This time signature is widely used in waltzes and dances, creating a flowing, three-step rhythm.

In 5/4 time, there are five beats per measure, each a quarter note. This time signature is often used in progressive rock jazz, and other experimental genres. It can create an uneven but interesting rhythmic structure, often grouped as 3+2 or 2+3.

In 7/4 time, there are seven beats per measure, with each beat represented by a quarter note. This time signature is often used in progressive rock and jazz to create a unique, irregular rhythm. It is typically grouped as 3+2+2 or 4+3.

In 7/8 time, there are seven beats per measure, each an eighth note. This is an irregular time signature, often grouped into patterns like 3+2+2 or 2+3+2. It is commonly used in progressive rock, Balkan folk music and modern jazz to create an asymmetric rhythm.

10/8 time has ten beats per measure, each an eighth note. It’s often grouped as 3+3+2+2, allowing for uneven complex rhythms. This time signature can be used in progressive rock, jazz, and other genres that favor rhythmic complexity.

In 11/8 time, there are eleven beats per measure. This time signature can be grouped in various patterns, such as 3+3+3+2 or 4+3+2+2. It’s commonly used in experimental and progressive music to create a distinctive, irregular feel.

In 13/8 time, there are thirteen beats per measure. It is a highly irregular time signature, often grouped as 3+3+3+2+2. It is used in progressive rock and experimental music to create a unique, irregular rhythmic pattern.

16/8 time has sixteen beats per measure, each an eighth note. It is a very fast-paced time signature, often subdivided into four groups of four (1-2-3-4, 5-6-7-8, etc.). This is an uncommon time signature but can be found in experimental and modern music.