12/8
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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[1].
Popular examples of the 12/8 time signature include:
"Doctor Who Theme" by Ron Grainer
"Got to get you into my life" by The Beatles
"Toxicity" by System Of A Down
[edit] References
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