Originally Posted by: robbdobbcobbcan someone please tell me what the difference is between a 4/4 and a 4/8 time signature?

You've got the idea. They both require "a four count", but in 4/4 the quarter notes get a whole beat or count and in 4/8 the eighth notes get a whole beat or count.

A subtle difference to be sure. But it really comes down to how the composer intends for the measures and beats to be subdivided. That's why someone may chose one time signature over another. Ultimately a time signature should create conceptual & perceptual clarity. It should make seeing and understanding the notation easier to get done the job of playing the music.

Have you seen these?
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=271
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=318