What The F? 12/8 time

Try out the basics of this essential time signature with TG’S easy lesson

The basics of 12/8 time are fairly simple: every bar of music contains 12 quavers (aka eighth notes). These can be musical notes or pauses (aka rests) of any length as long as they add up to the required number of quavers. Simple enough, but it’s more important to get to grips with 12/8’s trademark feel. Begin by listening to Toto’s Holdtheline, Stevie Wonder’s Higherground or Toothpastekisses by The Maccabees. These three songs all share the 12/8 triplet feel, identifiable by counting ‘1 & a 2 & a 3 & a 4 & a’ in time with the music. Read on as we explain all.