9 Simple vs. Compound Meter
INTRODUCTION
In this unit you will learn simple and compound meters. You will also begin to sight-read compositions created especially for this series!
NOTATIONS
Simple vs. Compound Meter Explained
In Unit 2 you learned to describe meter in terms of how a measure is broken down into beats. Duple meter is broken into two beats per measure; triple meter into three beats per measure; and quadruple meter into four beats per measure.
The terms introduced in this unit—simple and compound—describe how a beat is broken down into smaller subdivisions. Simply put, beats are typically subdivided (AKA broken down) into twos or threes. Meters that subdivide most of the beats into two equal parts are called simple meters; meters that subdivide most of the beats into three equal parts are called compound meters. This seemingly small distinction makes huge difference in feel. For me, music in simple meter feels angular, whereas music in compound meter feels round. Let’s explore this distinction further.
Both examples below consist of four beats per measure and are therefore in quadruple meter. However, the first one is in simple quadruple meter and the second is in compound quadruple meter.
Simple Meter Example
In simple meter most beats are broken into two equal parts. Notice how the eighth notes are beamed in groups of two to emphasize the subdivision of the beat.
Therefore, in simple meter, each beat is represented by a quarter note.
Compound Meter Example
In compound meter most beats are broken into three equal parts. Notice how the eighth notes are beamed in groups of three to emphasize the subdivision of the beat.
Therefore, in compound meter, each beat is represented by a dotted-quarter note.
Six Types of Standard Meter
Similarly, duple and triple meters can be expressed in simple and compound as well. Thus, there are six types of standard meter in Western music:
Simple Duple
In simple duple meter most beats divide into eighth notes. There are two beats per measure and each beat is a quarter note.
Simple Triple
In simple triple meter most beats divide into eighth notes. There are three beats per measure and each beat is a quarter note.
Simple Quadruple
In simple quadruple meter most beats divide into eighth notes. There are four beats per measure and each beat is a quarter note.
Compound Duple
In compound duple meter most beats divide into three eighth notes. There are two beats per measure and each beat is equivalent to a dotted-quarter note. This meter can be counted in a variety of ways. The graphic above presents two options. I recommend using the second option because it emphasizes the duple feel.
Compound Triple
In compound triple meter most beats divide into three eighth notes. There are three beats per measure and each beat is equivalent to a dotted-quarter note. This meter can be counted in a variety of ways. The graphic above presents two options. I recommend using the second option because it emphasizes the triple fe