A compound meter is based on multiples of five. True False
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: False
Explanation:
A compound meter in music is not based on multiples of five; it is based on dividing each beat into three equal parts, and it is typically associated with multiples of three, not five.
In musical meter, beats are grouped in measures and are classified as simple or compound:
- Simple meter divides each beat into two equal parts (e.g., 2/4, 3/4, 4/4).
- Compound meter divides each beat into three equal parts (e.g., 6/8, 9/8, 12/8).
For example:
- In 6/8 time, there are six eighth notes per measure, grouped into two beats (each beat equals three eighth notes).
- In 9/8 time, there are nine eighth notes per measure, grouped into three beats.
- In 12/8 time, there are twelve eighth notes per measure, grouped into four beats.
Each of these time signatures represents a compound meter because the beats are subdivided into three parts—not five.
A meter based on multiples of five would suggest a quintuple division, which is not standard in Western compound meters. While 5/4 or 5/8 time signatures exist, they are classified as irregular or asymmetrical meters, not compound meters. These meters often combine simple meters (e.g., 2/4 + 3/4) rather than dividing beats evenly into three parts.
To summarize: compound meter is characterized by beat division into three equal parts and uses time signatures that are multiples of three (e.g., 6/8, 9/8, 12/8). Therefore, the claim that compound meter is based on multiples of five is incorrect.