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MUS1005 Theory Fundamentals -Simple Meter
Simple vs. Compound
In simple meters, the beat is divided into two parts.
In compound meters, the beat is divided into three parts.
Two-eight meter
2/8
Two-eight meter
The top number (2) in the two-eight time signature tells us that there are two beats per measure. The bottom number (8) indicates that each beat is represented by an eighth note. Two-eight is a simple duple meter; therefore, each eighth-note beat can be divided into two sixteenth notes.
Two-four meter
2/4
Two-four meter
The top number (2) in the two-four time signature tells us that there are two beats per measure. The bottom number (4) indicates that each beat is represented by a quarter note. Two-four is a simple duple meter; therefore, each quarter-note
beat can be divided into two eighth notes.
• If the top number of a time signature is 2, 3, or 4, it is a simple meter
• If the top number of a time signature is 6, 9, or 12, it is a compound meter
Simple Triple Meter
Simple triple meter has three beats per measure, with each beat is divided
into two equal parts
The top number (3) in the three-eight time signature tells us that there are three beats per measure. The bottom number (8) indicates that each beat is represented by an eighth note.
3/8 is a simple triple meter; therefore, each eighth-note beat can be divided into two sixteenth notes.
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