Simple and Compound Meter

Simple and Compound Meter

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Simple and Compound Meter
Each time signature can be classified into a certain met er .
The terms dupl e, t r i pl e, and quadr upl e refer to the number of beats in a measure.
The term si mpl e means that each of these beats can be broken into two notes.
For example, 2/4 time is classified as si mpl e dupl e.
Duple refers to the two beats per measure.
Simple states that each of these beats can be divided into two notes.
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Simple and Compound Meter
2/2 and 2/8 are also simple duple.
3/4 time is classified as si mpl e t r i pl e.
Triple refers to the three beats per measure.
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Simple and Compound Meter
Again, simple states that each of these beats can be divided into two notes.
3/2 and 3/8 are also simple triple.
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Simple and Compound Meter
4/4 time is classified as simple quadruple due to its four beats which can be divided into two notes.
4/2 and 4/8 are also simple quadruple.
Notice that a time signature in simple meter will always have a 2, 3, or 4 for the top number.
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Simple and Compound Meter
While beats in simple meter are divided into two notes, beats in compound meter are divided into
three.
To demonstrate this, we will examine 6/8 time.
The six eighth notes can either be grouped into two beats (c ompound dupl e) or three beats
(si mpl e t r i pl e).
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Simple and Compound Meter
Since the simple triple pattern already belongs to 3/4 time, 6/8 is compound duple.
Notice that each beat in 6/8 is a dotted quarter note. In fact, all compound meters will have some
dotted note as its beat.
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Simple and Compound Meter
Any time signature with a 6 on top is compound duple. 6/8 and 6/4 are the most commonly used.
9/8 time is classified as c ompound t r i pl e.
There are three beats (three dotted quarter notes), thus making the meter triple.
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Simple and Compound Meter
Since each beat is made up of three notes, the meter is compound.
Any time signature with a 9 on top is compound triple. Although 9/8 is the most common; 9/2, 9/4,
and 9/16 can also be used.
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Simple and Compound Meter
Finally, 12/8 time is classified as c ompound quadr upl e.
There are four beats, thus making the meter quadruple.
Since each beat is made up of three notes, the meter is compound.
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Any time signature with a 12 on top is compound quadruple. 12/8 and 12/16 are the most
commonly used.
Simple and Compound Meter
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