In a time signature, which component indicates which note value gets the beat?

• A. Tempo Marking
• B. Bottom Number of Time Signature
• C. Top Number of Time Signature
• D. Dynamics

Answer: (B)

The beat unit in a time signature is determined by the bottom number. It tells you which note value counts as one beat in the measure. For example, in a time signature where the bottom number is four, quarter notes get the beat, so there are four beats per bar. If the bottom number is two, half notes get the beat, giving two beats per bar. In a compound meter like six-eight, the bottom number being eight suggests eighth notes as the basic beat unit, though the feel is often two larger pulses per measure. The top number, by contrast, tells you how many of those beat-units occur in one measure, while tempo marks set how fast you play and dynamics indicate loudness.