What does a time signature of 4/4 indicate?

A time signature of 4/4 signifies that there are four beats in each measure or bar, and each beat is represented by a quarter note. This is one of the most common time signatures in Western music and is often referred to as "common time."

In this context, the "4" on the top indicates the number of beats per measure, while the "4" on the bottom indicates that a quarter note receives one beat. Therefore, in a 4/4 measure, you can have a combination of quarter notes, half notes, and other note values as long as they add up to the four beats.

Understanding this time signature is crucial for musicians as it affects how music is felt and interpreted, leading to a regular and predictable rhythm. The clarity and versatility of 4/4 time make it a foundational concept in rhythm and meter in music composition and performance.