Grade 3 Music Theory - Simple & Compound Time Signatures

Easily understand the difference between simple and compound time. Learn all about duple, triple and quadruple meters, how to correctly group beats and how to tell if something is in simple time or compound time using this helpful chart. Suitable for candidates preparing for ABRSM Grade 3 music theory. Time signatures tell us how many beats are contained in each bar and which note value is equivalent to a beat. Time signatures consist of two numbers. The lower number indicates a rhythmic duration - 2 is a Minim (Half Note), 4 is a Crotchet (Quarter Note), 8 is a Quaver (Eighth Note) and 16 is a Semiquaver (Sixteenth Note). The number above shows how many of them there are in a bar. Music that has two beats (of any rhythmic duration) is said to be in "duple time". Music with three beats is in "triple time" and music with four beats is in "quadruple time". This music theory lesson explains the difference between simple time and compound time. In simple time each beat could be divided into two. Compound time is the name given when the beat divides into 3. Each 'simple' time signature has an equivalent 'compound' time signature. The important points to remember is that anything with 2, 3 or 4 at the top is Simple time. Anything with 6, 9 or 12 at the top is in Compound time. Many people find the topic of simple and compound time quite hard to understand but this music theory lesson will give you a clear understanding of the two.

🕘 Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction to time signatures
1:33 - Simple time signatures
8:15 - Compound time signatures
20:07 - Spotting differences
21:41 - Adding time signatures to rhythms

🎓 Grade 3 Music Theory Course
A complete, step by step and practical way to learn music theory and discover how music really works. It's our belief that every musician needs to have the theory knowledge that supports their playing, singing, or composing skills. This course features clear explanations of music notation, many worked examples and practice exercises, definitions of important words and concepts, specimen questions and many helpful tips for students. As well as being suitable for candidates preparing for ABRSM grade 3 music theory exams, this course also provides an excellent resource for anyone wishing to develop general music literacy skills.

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[MusicMattersGB]

Learn Music Theory - Get the rest of this course here!

[sirinb.]

I'm taking a music theory class and this topic confuses me endlessly but now I have a better understanding. Thank you so much!

[olwencarolan]

You're such a great teacher ! Very thorough !

[jordanthinuszonette]

So impressed with the teacher, the light went on after his explanation!😀

[pallavisreetambraparni]

This is very useful, however anyone trying to learn music theory from US using these youtube videos, I would suggest getting a good music theory book on learning or familiarizing yourself with some of the british musical terms that are used like quaver note, crochet note, dotted crochet note, minute not, dotted minute note etc because the music terms used in the US is slightly different. We are taught, quarter note, half note, whole note, eighth note, dotted half note, dotted quarter note so slightly different terminology. They are all basically synonymous and mean the same thing, but if you don't want to feel lost, then this is what i would suggest because music teachers in the US don't use the british terms when they teach music. They will use the US based terms.

[adityab]

YouTube recommended me after7 yrs ...so late..Never ever seen such a beautiful explanation of time signature...Thanks a lot....

[shibuparayil]

THANK YOU! IT IS WONDERFUL FILM!!! HATS OFF!!! YOU MADE MY LIFE EASIER AND HAPPIER :) :) :)

[rahulkumarverma]

Gareth, you are an amazing teacher. Explained so simply, yet exhaustively! And you have so much empathy for the difficulties a normal student might face in understanding. I really enjoyed the lesson, and got much better clarity of the topic. Thanks so much, and keep it up!

[karinaromero]

You daaa BESTTTT I love how you demonstrate how the compound notes sound. GOD BLESS YOUR SOUL!

[jjsII]

Best explanation I’ve come across, thanks

[Gaggio]

Finally someone that explains it simply and clearly, thank you!

[derekhaas]

Brilliant! I needed this 38 years ago but now it all makes sense! :)

[alstanremedios]

Man. After All These Years! Love This!

[guyguysir]

Detailed and clear. A really wonderful teacher.

[candyfloss]

Thank you! I am sitting for my Grade 4 exam tomorrow, and this definitely helped me to understand Simple and Compound time better :)

[tortoiseperson]

This is the first time I have fully understood compound time. Very grateful!

[ilanitdorani]

This is the best tutorial video on youTube and you are the best teacher on music theory i have ever come across. All the best.

[Funkiztah]

Couldnt have explained it more simply! Thank you for this! Be blessed!

[gemmabooton]

Thanks this is really helpful and a very clear video

[aadibiswas]

Great! Thanks for the info! I have an ABRSM test tomorrow!