Topmusicanswers
Compound: In compound time signatures, the beat is broken down into three-part rhythms. The top number is evenly divisible by 3, with the exception of time signatures where the top number is 3. Also, each beat is divided into three components, creating a one-two-three pulse.
- What is compound time?
- Is 3/8 a simple or compound?
- What is the difference between simple and compound time?
What is compound time?
a musical rhythm in which each beat in a bar is divided into three equal, shorter beats.
Is 3/8 a simple or compound?
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.
What is the difference between simple and compound time?
Simple time signatures can be sub-divided into equal groups of two, whereas compound time signatures can be sub-divided into beats of three. For example, in the simple time signature of 2/4, there are four quavers in each bar.
