# Compound meter

*Module 11 · Lesson 4: Rhythm II · BazzLow*

> Read and feel 6/8, 9/8 and 12/8.

Before this lesson: [11.3 Triplets](https://bazzlow.com/en/rhythm-2/triplets/) · [2.3 Bars and time signatures](https://bazzlow.com/en/rhythm-1/bars-and-time-signatures/)

In 4/4 and 3/4 every beat divides into two. In some music every beat divides into three, and the whole bar feels different.

## Beats that divide in three

In **compound meter** each beat is a **dotted note** that divides into **three**. In **simple meter** (lesson 2.3) each beat divides into two. With 8 at the bottom and 6, 9 or 12 at the top, the meter is compound, and the beat is a **dotted-quarter** beat.

*The common compound time signatures.*

| Time signature | Beats per bar | Each beat | Eighths per bar |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 6/8 | 2 | dotted quarter | 6 |
| 9/8 | 3 | dotted quarter | 9 |
| 12/8 | 4 | dotted quarter | 12 |

Count 6/8 as “**1 & a 2 & a**” (two beats), or slowly as 1–6 with accents on 1 and 4.

## 3/4 against 6/8

Both bars hold six eighth notes, grouped differently: 3/4 is **3 beats** of two eighths (1 & 2 & 3 &); 6/8 is **2 beats** of three eighths (1 & a 2 & a). The accents tell them apart.

> **Diagram:** One bar of 3/4: six eighth notes beamed in pairs, counted 1 & 2 & 3 & with the three beat numbers in bold.

> **Diagram:** One bar of 6/8: the same six eighth notes beamed in threes, counted 1 & a 2 & a with the two beat numbers in bold.

## 12/8

**12/8** sounds like 4/4 with every beat divided in triplets. It is common in slow blues and soul ballads.

> **Diagram:** One bar of 12/8: twelve eighth notes beamed in four groups of three, counted 1 & a 2 & a 3 & a 4 & a.

Odd meters (5/4, 7/8…) exist and are used in some styles. They are outside this course.

## Try it

Play six eighth notes on the open D, first accenting 1, 3 and 5 (3/4), then 1 and 4 (6/8). Keep the eighths identical: only the accents change.

## New terms

- compound meter
- simple meter
- dotted-quarter beat
- odd meter

Page: https://bazzlow.com/en/rhythm-2/compound-meter/