Simple and compound division

Simple meter commonly divides a main beat into two; compound meter divides it into three. What matters is how small values group into larger beats, not just their total number. A common reading of 6/8 has two dotted-quarter beats.

Both 3/4 and 6/8 can contain six eighths, but their usual grouping differs: three pairs versus two triples. Beaming, accents and tempo can alter the perceived organisation. Treat the notation as evidence to interpret rather than reducing meter to its top number.

Example

Typical eighth groupings: 3/4 = 2+2+2; 6/8 = 3+3.

2 × 2 / 2 × 3

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How many dotted-quarter beats are in a compound reading of 9/8?

Answer

Three; an asymmetric interpretation may group it differently.

References

Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom

Subject-expert review pending.

Simple and compound division

Example

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Related topics

References