Thursday, March 19, 2015

Simple & Compound Rhythms


  • Each time signature can be classified into a certain meter.
  • The terms dupletriple, and quadruple refer to the number of beats in a measure.
  • The term simple means that each of these beats can be broken into two notes.
  • For example, 2/4 time is classified as simple duple.
  • “Duple” refers to the two beats per measure.
  • “Simple” states that each of these beats can be divided into two notes.
  • 2/2 and 2/8 are also simple duple.
  • 3/4 time is classified as simple triple.
  • “Triple” refers to the three beats per measure.
  • Again, “simple” states that each of these beats can be divided into two notes.
  • 3/2 and 3/8 are also simple triple.
  • 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.
  • 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 (compound duple) or three beats (simple triple).
  • 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.
  • 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 compound triple.
  • There are three beats (three dotted quarter notes), thus making the meter triple.
  • 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.
  • Finally, 12/8 time is classified as compound quadruple.
  • There are four beats, thus making the meter quadruple.
  • Since each beat is made up of three notes, the meter is compound.
  • Any time signature with a 12 on top is compound quadruple. 12/8 and 12/16 are the most commonly used.