Simple and compound time
The Grade 3 exam
Grade 3 theory is an online exam in seven sections, marked out of 75, like Grades 1 and 2. This course takes the sections in order and ends with a full mock paper:
- 1½ hours
- at most, online
- 75
- marks
- 7
- sections
- 15Section 1: Rhythm
- 15Section 2: Pitch and transposition
- 15Section 3: Keys and scales
- 10Section 4: Intervals
- 10Section 5: Tonic triads
- 5Section 6: Terms and signs
- 5Section 7: Music in context
Checked against the ABRSM syllabus and exam pages, 9 October 2026. Source: ABRSM Music Theory qualification specification.
The first lesson of the course is free; the rest is part of Plus.
Simple time, recapped
In simple time each beat is a plain note that divides into two: a crotchet into two quavers, a minim into two crotchets. The top number is the number of beats:
- 2 beats: duple time (2/4, 2/2);
- 3 beats: triple time (3/4, 3/2, 3/8);
- 4 beats: quadruple time (4/4, 4/2).
Compound time
In compound time each beat is a dotted note that divides into three. Grade 3 adds three compound time signatures, all with dotted crotchet beats:
| Time signature | Quavers in a bar | Beats | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/8 | 6 | 2 dotted crotchets | compound duple |
| 9/8 | 9 | 3 dotted crotchets | compound triple |
| 12/8 | 12 | 4 dotted crotchets | compound quadruple |
To find the beats, divide the top number by 3. To complete a bar, or to find which time signature fits it, add up the bar in crotchets: a bar of 6/8 holds 3 crotchets, 9/8 holds 4 and a half, 12/8 holds 6. The quavers are beamed in threes, one group a beat.
Tip: 6/8 and 3/4 both hold six quavers, but they feel different. 6/8 is two groups of three (1 2 3 4 5 6), 3/4 is three groups of two (1 2 3 4 5 6).
Upbeats
Some music starts with an upbeat (an anacrusis): a short first bar before the first strong beat. The last bar of the piece is usually short by the same amount, so the two together make one full bar.
This question is in Brainlag Plus