What is meter in music?

Meter in music refers to the regular arrangement of beats in a piece of music. It is the underlying pulse or rhythmic structure that establishes the framework for the music. Meter is typically indicated by a time signature at the beginning of a piece of music, which contains two numbers - one on top of the other. The top number indicates the number of beats in a measure, while the bottom number indicates which note value receives one beat (e.g. 4/4 means there are four beats in a measure and a quarter note receives one beat).

Meter can be classified as simple (duple, triple, or quadruple) or compound, depending on the number of beats in a measure and how they are subdivided. Different meters create distinct rhythmic feels and can influence the overall character of a piece of music. Meter is essential for musicians to maintain a cohesive rhythm and stay synchronized when performing together. It helps to establish a sense of stability and structure in music, allowing listeners to easily follow along and feel the groove of a song.