What does the 'C' symbol mean on sheet music?

The 'C' symbol stands for Common Time — it's shorthand for 4/4. A 'C' with a vertical line through it means Cut Time or 2/2 (two half-note beats per measure).

Can a song change time signatures?

Yes. Many songs use multiple time signatures, especially in progressive rock and classical music. This is called a meter change.

Which time signature is easiest for beginners?

4/4 is the most intuitive for beginners because most familiar music uses it. Start here before exploring other signatures.

What does 'compound' mean in music?

Compound time signatures (like 6/8, 9/8, 12/8) divide beats into groups of three. Simple time signatures (like 4/4, 3/4, 2/4) divide beats into groups of two.

Time Signatures Explained: 4/4, 3/4, 6/8