Simple & Compound Rhythms
- Each time signature can be classified into a certain meter.
- The terms duple, triple, 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.
