In this lesson, we will explore compound meters. Unlike simple meters, where each beats divides into two equal parts, in compound meters, each main beat naturally divides into three equal parts.
What are Compound Meters?
Compound meters are time signatures where the top number is a multiple of 3. In simple meters, the top number represents the number of main beats in the measure. In compound meters, each beat is divided into three equal parts, and these parts can be subdivided further into six smaller units.
Because the beats in compound meters divide into three, they are always dotted. Here’s how the beats break down in compound meters:
- If the bottom number is 8, the beat is a dotted quarter note, which is equivalent to three eighth notes.
- If the bottom number is 4, the beat is a dotted half note, which is equivalent to three quarter notes.
- If the bottom number is 16, the beat is a dotted eighth note, which is equivalent to three sixteenth notes.
And now… Some Maths!
Let’s start with 6/8. In this time signature, we have 6 beats of eighth notes. Since 6 is a multiple of 3, we divide it by three, to find out how many groups of main beats per bar: 6 ÷ 3 = 2. This means we have 2 main beats in the measure.
Each main beat is a dotted quartet note, which equals 1 and a half beats (or 3 eighth notes). The first subdivision of each main beat is a dotted quartet note, which is equivalent to 3 eighth notes.
In compound meters, we also have duple, triple, and quadruple meters, depending on how the main beats are grouped.
Compound Duple Meter
There are 2 main beats in each measure, and each main beat divides into three subdivisions. For example, in 6/8, there are 2 main beats, each with 3 eighth notes.
Compound Triple Meter
There are 3 main beats in each measure, and each main beat divides into three subdivisions.
Compound Quadruple Meter
There are 4 main beats in each measure, with each main beat divided into three subdivisions.
The main rule of simple meters is that in simple time signatures, each beat is divisible by 2!
Counting the Beats 101
As you can see in many of the examples, I often show two ways of counting. This is because there are different methods that learners can use to understand basic rhythm and how to count time values, especially when playing an instrument.
The first method I present is ” 1 – 2 -3 “, and the second is ” 1 & a, 2 & a” etc.
You might have seen even more ways of counting in the internet or in the books. There is no strict right or wrong method, as long as you are playing the beat correctly and staying in time.
I’m showing you these two common methods to help you choose what it easier for you to learn and fully understand how rhythm works!
Also, it often depends on the tempo of the piece you are learning.
For a fast tempo (like Allegretto), even through you should always start slowly when practising (especially with both hands and without stopping – nearly by heart), it may feel easier to count ” 1-2-3″ instead of “1 & a”
In the end, it’s up to you! The important thing is to find your rhythm and truly understand what all of this means!
Thank you for studying with me!
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Thanks so much for your support and happy practising!
Helena