meter

Definition: Musical meter defines the rhythmic pattern of a measure by creating theoretical divisions of notes or beats. Meter is specified by the time signature.

1. Simple Meter: The main beat in a measure represents itself, and can be divided into two equal parts.
   
   For example, in both 4/4 and 3/4 time, the main beat is the quarter note; divisible into two eighth notes. 2/2 time uses a half note beat; divisible into two quarter notes.
   
   
   • Examples of simple meter include common time, cut time, 2/4 time, and 3/4 time:
     
     ♦  Learn More About Simple Meter - MusicEducation.About.com


2. Compound Meter: The main beat is a group of three.
   
   6/8 time, for example, contains two groups of three eighth notes as opposed to three groups of two (which is the case in 3/4 time*). Likewise, 12/8 time has four groups of three eighth notes, not three groups of four.
   
   Because compound meter beats are organized by threes, the main beat is a dotted note: 6/8’s two groups of three eighth notes could otherwise be written as two dotted quarter notes (1 dotted quarter note = 3 eighth notes). In 6/4 time – which has two groups of three quarter notes – the main beat is a dotted half note (1 dotted half note = 3 quarter notes).
   
   
   • Other compound time signatures include 6/2, 9/2, 9/4, and 9/8:
     
     ♦  Learn More About Compound Meter - MusicEducation.About.com

The Difference Between 3/4 & 6/8 Time

* Although both 6/8 and 3/4 time contain a total of six eighth notes, they differ in how their notes are grouped:

 3/4 time is counted: One-and-Two-and-Three-and …
 6/8 time is counted: One-two-three, Four-five-six …


See irrational rhythm.

Also Known As:

• time (Eng)
• metro (It)
• mesure (Fr)
• das Metrum (Ger)

Pronunciation: mee'-der (U.S.); mee'-ter (U.K.)

Alternate Spellings: metre (U.K.)


More About Time & Rhythm:

• Time Signatures In-Depth
• Why Common Time Is Abbreviated ‘c’
• Reading BPM & Tempo Commands