Simple time signatures have beats divided into twos, while compound time signatures have beats divided into threes.
Simple time and compound time are two fundamental ways of organizing rhythm in music. Simple time signatures have beats that are divided into two equal parts, while compound time signatures have beats that are divided into three equal parts.
- In simple time, each beat is a straightforward pulse that can be split into two (e.g., 1 and 2).
- In compound time, each beat is a "group" of three smaller pulses, giving a lilting or rolling feel (e.g., 1-2-3, 2-2-3, 3-2-3).
- Simple time examples: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4.
- Compound time examples: 6/8, 9/8, 12/8.
Typical simple time signatures are 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4.
Typical compound time signatures are 6/8, 9/8, and 12/8.
Simple Time
In simple time, the beat is divided into two smaller rhythmic units (duplets), even if the music is official counted in quarter notes, half notes, etc.
- The top number in the time signature tells how many beats are in each measure.
- The bottom number tells what kind of note gets one beat.
- Each beat can be split into two equal parts (e.g., a quarter note splits into two eighth notes).
Examples
| Time Signature | Number of Beats | Note per Beat | Typical Feel | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/4 | 2 | Quarter | March-like | "Happy Birthday" start |
| 3/4 | 3 | Quarter | Waltz | "Blue Danube" Waltz |
| 4/4 | 4 | Quarter | Common/Pop | Most pop/rock songs |
2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 are simple time signatures.
In simple time, beats are divided into two equal parts.
3/4 simple time has a waltz feel.
Compound Time
In compound time, each beat is a group of three smaller notes (triplets). So instead of dividing a beat into two parts, you divide it into three.
- The top number is usually 6, 9, or 12, indicating the total number of smaller pulses (not 'beats') per measure.
- The bottom number indicates the note value of these smaller pulses (often eighth notes).
- You count the music in groups of three pulses per beat (e.g., 6/8 is counted as two beats: 1-2-3, 4-5-6).
Examples
| Time Signature | Pulses per Measure | Pulse Note | Beats (Groups of 3) | Typical Feel | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/8 | 6 | Eighth | 2 (each with 3 pulses) | Rolling, Dance | "We Are the Champions" (Verse) |
| 9/8 | 9 | Eighth | 3 | Lively, Triple | Some jigs (folk) |
| 12/8 | 12 | Eighth | 4 | Swingy, Driving | Some blues/rock |
6/8, 9/8, and 12/8 are common compound time signatures.
Beats are subdivided into three smaller notes (triplets) in compound time.
6/8 compound time commonly feels lilting or rolling.
9/8 time is typically grouped as three beats, each containing three eighth notes.
Summary
Simple time splits beats into two; compound time splits beats into three. Recognizing the difference helps in feeling the correct groove and anticipating rhythmic patterns.
- Simple Time: Beats divided in two, e.g., 2/4, 3/4, 4/4
- Compound Time: Beats divided in three, e.g., 6/8, 9/8, 12/8
- Compound time "beats" = groups of 3 pulses; Simple time "beats" = single pulses divided by 2
Simple time divides beats by two; compound time divides beats by three.
4/4 is a simple time signature.
6/8 is a compound time signature.