In music, compound metre or compound time is a time signature or meter in which each beat (or rather, portion, 1/2 or 1/3 of a measure) is divided into three parts, as opposed to two which is simple meter.
For example, 6/8 is divided into two parts, making it duple meter, of three quavers (eighth notes) each, making it compound meter (compound duple meter).
The time signature (also known as "meter signature") is a notational device used in Western musical notation to specify how many beats are in each bar and which note value (minim, crotchet, quaver, and so on) constitutes one beat.
Compoundtime signatures are distinguished by an upper number which is 6 or above and a multiple of three (most commonly 6, 9, or 12).
In this case the time signatures are an aid to the performers, not an indication of meter.
The time signature (also known as "meter signature") is a notational device used in Western musical notation to specify how many beats are in each bar and which note value (quaver, crotchet, quarter note and so on) constitutes one beat.
Compoundtime signatures are distinguished by a top number which is 6 or above and a multiple of three (most commonly 6, 9, or 12).
At other times, the choice of bottom note can give subtle hints as to the character of the music: for example, time signatures with a longer bass-note (such as 3/2) can be used for pieces in a quick tempo to convey a sense of the time flying by.
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