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

Simple time signatures are meters 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.

The 2/4 time signature denotes 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.

The 2/2 time signature (also known as cut time) indicates two beats per measure with each beat being a half note. It is often used in fast-paced pieces like marches.

The 8/8 time signature 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.

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

The 3/2 time signature has three beats per measure, each beat being 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, for example 6/8, 9/8, or 12/8. This division creates a "feel" of beats grouped in threes, giving music a flowing or lilting rhythm.

The 6/8 time signature is a meter with six beats per measure, each beat being 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.

The 4/4 time signature is one of the most familiar and versatile time signatures in piano music. It is a time signature with four beats per measure with each beat being a quarter note. It is often referred to as "common time" (notated with a C) and is used in a wide variety of musical genres.

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

The 9/8 time is a signature that has 9 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.

The 12/8 time signature has twelve beats per measure, 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.

Irregular time signatures are time signatures where the number of beats per measure is uneven, and the beats are not grouped into regular patterns of twos or threes. Common examples include time signatures like 5/4, 7/8, and 10/8, which create complex and asymmetrical rhythms.

The 5/4 time signature is a meter that indicates 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.

The 7/4 time signature is an irregular meter that has seven beats per measure, 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.

The 7/8 time signature is a meter with 7 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.

The 10/8 time signature is a meter with ten beats per bar, 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.

The 11/8 time signature is a meter with 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.

The 13/8 time signature is a meter with thirteen beats per bar. 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.

The 16/8 time signature is a meter with sixteen beats per measure, each an eighth note. It is 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.