In compound meter, the beat is divided into how many equal parts?

• A. Two
• B. Three
• C. Four
• D. Five

Answer: (B)

In compound meter the beat is divided into three equal parts. This triple subdivision comes from the way the beat is felt as a dotted note value, which naturally splits into three smaller notes. For example, in 6/8 there are two beats per measure, each beat a dotted quarter, subdividing into three eighth notes. In 12/8 there are four such beats per measure, again each beat split into three eighth notes. So the characteristic feature is three subdivisions per beat, giving a triplet-like feel within each beat.