Simple time to compound time

"Compound Time" is the name given to music where each beat divides into 3 (rather than 2, which is Simple time). We can convert a simple time signature in to an equivalent compound time signature by multiplying the top number by 3 and the bottom by 2.

1. Is 3/8 a simple or compound?
2. How do you tell the difference between simple and compound time?
3. How do you calculate compounding time?
4. Is 5 4 A simple or compound time?

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.

How do you tell 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. This means that the pulse is naturally stressed on the first and third quavers of the bar.

How do you calculate compounding time?

Compound time can be counted two ways:

1. The Preferred method. The number of beats per measure (beat unit) is equal to the upper number of the time signature divided by three. ...
2. For Slow Tempos Only. The upper number in the time signature represents the number of beats in one measure.

Is 5 4 A simple or compound time?

In basic terms, yes 5/4 would be considered simple time, yet at the same time an odd meter. 15/8 would be considered the compound time equivalent (5 beats per measure, each beat divvied into 3 parts). 5/8 technically would still be simple because each 8th note is divided into 2 parts (16ths).