Level 3 (like Grade 3) · Unit 13 of 24

Simple and compound time

When each beat splits into two it is simple time; when it splits into three it is compound time, like 6/8.

By the end you will be able to:

• tell simple time from compound time
• count and complete measures in 6/8
• write rhythms in 3/8 and 6/8

Learn

Twos and threes

In simple time (2/4, 3/4, 4/4) each beat splits into two halves: 1-and-2-and. In compound time each beat splits into three: 1-and-a-2-and-a. That gives music a lilting, skipping feel – think of a jig or “Row, row, row your boat”.

6/8

6/8 has six eighth notes in a measure, grouped in two sets of three. So it has two beats, and each beat is a dotted quarter note. The eighth notes are beamed in threes to show the beats.

3/8 and other times

3/8 has three eighth note beats in a measure and is counted as simple triple time (often felt as one beat in a measure when it is fast). 9/8 and 12/8 are compound times with three and four dotted quarter note beats.

Your turn

Watch and listen, then practice with new questions every time – reading questions, and writing tasks you answer on the staff. Take the check when you are ready: 80% passes the unit.

Level 3 is like Grade 3 music theory. These are Classfern’s own levels, not an exam board’s. Questions are made and graded by rules in your browser.