12/8

In musical notation, 12/8 is a specific time signature consisting of four dotted crotchets (quarter notes), in a bar. This usually comprises 4 groups of 3 quavers (eighth notes), giving the overall feel of common 4/4 time as the basic pulse, but having 4 sets of triplets in a bar rather than the usual 4 crotchets.

12/8 means that there are 12 eighth note beats per measure. It is usually counted in 4 and each beat has a triplet feel.

12/8 is sometimes used in classical music and rock music, but it is most well known for being used in slow blues, reggae and doo wop songs. Songs in 12/8 are often able to convey the feel of 4/4 - this is one of the basics of West African music. Because it is based around triplets, musicians often think is is easier to produce a 3 in 2 swing music feel in 12/8.

In African music the 12/8 rhythms offer great flexibility since they can interpred as 4/4 and 6/8 rhythms [ [http://t-tt-t-tt-sss.blogspot.com/2008/05/68-and-128-fussion.html 6/8 and 12/8 fusion] ] .

Popular examples of the 12/8 time signature include:

"You've Really Got a Hold on Me" by The Miracles

"It's Alright" by The Impressions

"Hot Fun in the Summertime" by Sly & the Family Stone

"Misunderstanding" by Genesis

"Hold the Line" by Toto

"So Far Away" by Staind

"True Blue" by Madonna

"Doctor Who Theme" by Ron Grainer

"Texas Flood" by Stevie Ray Vaughan

"Got to Get You into My Life" by The Beatles

"Evil Angel" by Breaking Benjamin

"Toxicity" by System Of A Down

"Color My World" by Chicago (played with a 6/8 feel)

"I'm Your Baby Tonight" by Whitney Houston

"I Can Help" by Billy Swan

"Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" by The Beatles

"Moonshield" by In Flames

"Since I've Been Loving You" by Led Zeppelin

"War Pigs" (the song intro) by Black Sabbath

References