Download 6/8 Beat: A Guide for Music Producers
If you are a music producer looking for a new challenge or a fresh sound, you might want to try making or using a 6/8 beat. A 6/8 beat is a type of rhythm that has a distinctive feel and groove, and can be found in many genres of music, from rock to jazz to folk. In this article, we will explain what a 6/8 beat is, how to create one in your software, and how to download free 6/8 beats online.
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What is a 6/8 beat and why use it?
A 6/8 beat is a beat that has six eighth notes (or quavers) per measure (or bar). The number six on the top of the time signature indicates how many beats are in each measure, and the number eight on the bottom indicates what kind of note gets one beat. In this case, an eighth note gets one beat.
However, this does not mean that we count six equal beats in each measure. A 6/8 beat is what's known as a compound meter, meaning that each beat can be subdivided into three smaller notes. This means that we feel the pulse of the music in two larger beats, with three eighth notes filling in the space between them. For example, we can count a 6/8 beat like this: one-and-a two-and-a, where one and two are the main beats, and and and a are the subdivisions.
This gives the music a different musical effect than a simple meter, where each beat can be subdivided into two smaller notes. For example, a simple meter like 3/4 has three quarter notes per measure, and we can count it like this: one two three. A simple meter has a more even and regular feel, while a compound meter has a more lilting and swinging feel.
A 6/8 beat can be used for various reasons, depending on the genre and mood of the music. Some common reasons are:
To create contrast with other sections of the song that use different time signatures
To add interest and variety to the rhythm
To create a sense of movement and energy
To evoke a certain emotion or atmosphere
To follow a tradition or style of music that uses 6/8 time signature
The difference between simple and compound time signatures
As we mentioned before, a simple time signature is one where each beat can be subdivided into two smaller notes, while a compound time signature is one where each beat can be subdivided into three smaller notes. This affects how we feel and count the music, as well as how we write it.
In simple time signatures, we use quarter notes, half notes, whole notes, and their dotted or tied versions to represent the beats and their subdivisions. For example, in 4/4 time signature (also known as common time), we have four quarter notes per measure, and each quarter note can be divided into two eighth notes or four sixteenth notes.
In compound time signatures, we use dotted notes to represent the beats and their subdivisions. For example, in 6/8 time signature, we have two dotted quarter notes per measure, and each dotted quarter note can be divided into three eighth notes or six sixteenth notes.
Here is a table that shows some examples of simple and compound time signatures, how to count them, and how to write them:
Time signature
Number of beats per measure
Kind of note that gets one beat
How to count it
How to write it
2/4 (simple duple)
2
Quarter note
One two
3/4 (simple triple)
3
Quarter note
One two three
4/4 (simple quadruple)
4
Quarter note
One two three four
6/8 (compound duple)
2
Dotted quarter note
One-and-a two-and-a
9/8 (compound triple)
3
Dotted quarter note
One-and-a two-and-a three-and-a
12/8 (compound quadruple)
4
Dotted quarter note
One-and-a two-and-a three-and-a four-and-a
The musical effect of 6/8 time signature
A 6/8 time signature can create different musical effects depending on how the composer or the performer uses it. Some of the possible effects are:
A feeling of swing or shuffle, especially when the eighth notes are played with a slight accent on the first and third notes of each group of three. This can create a groove that is suitable for genres like blues, jazz, rock, and pop.
A feeling of syncopation or offbeat, especially when the eighth notes are played with a slight accent on the second and fourth notes of each group of three. This can create a contrast or a tension that is suitable for genres like reggae, ska, and funk.
A feeling of triplets or hemiola, especially when the eighth notes are grouped into two sets of three instead of three sets of two. This can create a cross-rhythm or a polyrhythm that is suitable for genres like classical, folk, and world music.
Examples of songs in 6/8 time signature
There are many songs that use 6/8 time signature in different ways and for different purposes. Here are some examples:
House of the Rising Sun by The Animals: This is a classic folk-rock song that uses 6/8 time signature to create a swinging feel and a sense of movement. The song tells the story of a life gone wrong in New Orleans.
Nothing Else Matters by Metallica: This is a power ballad that uses 6/8 time signature to create a contrast between the soft verses and the hard choruses. The song expresses the band's dedication to their music and their fans.
We Are The Champions by Queen: This is an anthem that uses 6/8 time signature to create a triumphant and uplifting feel. The song celebrates the victory and the glory of being a champion.
Man In The Mirror by Michael Jackson: This is a pop song that uses 6/8 time signature to create a syncopated and offbeat feel. The song delivers a message of self-reflection and social change.
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen: This is a folk song that uses 6/8 time signature to create a triplet or hemiola feel. The song explores the themes of love, faith, and loss through biblical references.
How to create a 6/8 beat in your software
If you want to create your own 6/8 beat in your software, you will need to follow some steps to set up your project and program your instruments. Here are some general guidelines that you can apply to any software:
Choosing the right tempo and subdivision
The first thing you need to do is to choose the right tempo and subdivision for your 6/8 beat. The tempo is how fast or slow the music is, measured in beats per minute (BPM). The subdivision is how many smaller notes you want to use to fill in each beat.
The tempo and subdivision will depend on the genre and mood of your music, as well as your personal preference. For example, if you want to make a slow and smooth jazz song, you might choose a tempo of 60 BPM and a subdivision of eighth notes. If you want to make a fast and energetic rock song, you might choose a tempo of 120 BPM and a subdivision of sixteenth notes.
To choose the tempo and subdivision in your software, you will need to adjust the settings in your project window or your transport bar. You will also need to make sure that your time signature is set to 6/8.
Setting up the grid and the metronome
The next thing you need to do is to set up the grid and the metronome for your 6/8 beat. The grid is the visual representation of the beats and subdivisions in your software, usually shown as vertical lines on your timeline or piano roll. The metronome is the audible representation of the beats and subdivisions in your software, usually heard as clicks or beeps on your speakers or headphones.
The grid and the metronome will help you to align your instruments and keep them in time with each other. They will also help you to feel the pulse and groove of your 6/8 beat.
To set up the grid and the metronome in your software, you will need to adjust the settings in your preferences or options menu. You will also need to make sure that they match your tempo and subdivision choices.
Setting up the grid and the metronome
The next thing you need to do is to set up the instruments for your 6/8 beat. The instruments are the sounds that you use to create your music, such as drums, bass, guitar, piano, synth, etc. You can use virtual instruments that are built-in or plug-in to your software, or you can use real instruments that you record with a microphone or a MIDI controller.
The instruments will give your 6/8 beat its character and flavor. They will also help you to create melodies and harmonies that complement your rhythm.
To set up the instruments in your software, you will need to add tracks or channels for each instrument that you want to use. You will also need to select the sound or preset that you want to use for each instrument.
Programming the drums and the bass
The first instruments that you need to program for your 6/8 beat are the drums and the bass. The drums and the bass are the foundation of your rhythm section, and they provide the groove and the low-end of your music. They also help you to define the structure and the dynamics of your song.
To program the drums and the bass in your software, you will need to use a MIDI editor or a step sequencer to input the notes and velocities for each instrument. You will also need to use effects and mixing tools to adjust the volume, pan, EQ, compression, reverb, etc. for each instrument.
There are many ways to program a drum and bass pattern for a 6/8 beat, but here is a simple example that you can use as a starting point:
Instrument
Notes
Velocities
Kick drum
C2 on beats 1 and 4
127 on beat 1, 100 on beat 4
Snare drum
D2 on beats 3 and 6
100 on both beats
Hi-hat
F#2 on every eighth note
80 on every note, except 100 on beats 1 and 4
Bass
A1 on beats 1 and 4, G1 on beats 3 and 6
100 on every note
This pattern creates a basic 6/8 groove that has a swing feel and a syncopated accent on the fourth beat. You can modify this pattern by changing the notes, velocities, durations, or effects of each instrument to suit your style and taste.
Adding melodies and harmonies
The next instruments that you need to program for your 6/8 beat are the melodies and harmonies. The melodies and harmonies are the elements that create the mood and the emotion of your music. They also help you to express your musical ideas and themes.
To program the melodies and harmonies in your software, you will need to use a MIDI editor or a piano roll to input the notes and velocities for each instrument. You will also need to use effects and mixing tools to adjust the volume, pan, EQ, compression, reverb, etc. for each instrument.
There are many ways to program a melody and harmony for a 6/8 beat, but here is a simple example that you can use as a starting point:
Instrument
Notes
Velocities
Piano (chords)
A minor on beats 1 and 4, G major on beats 3 and 6
80 on every note
Guitar (arpeggios)
A minor on beats 1 and 4, G major on beats 3 and 6, playing one note per eighth note in ascending order70 on every noteSynth (lead)A pentatonic scale on beats 2, 5, and 7, playing one note per eighth note in descending order90 on every noteThis pattern creates a basic 6/8 melody and harmony that has a minor feel and a triplet motif. You can modify this pattern by changing the notes, velocities, durations, or effects of each instrument to suit your style and taste.</ How to download free 6/8 beats online
If you don't want to create your own 6/8 beat in your software, you can also download free 6/8 beats online. There are many websites that offer free beats for music producers, and some of them have 6/8 beats in their catalog. You can use these beats for your personal or commercial projects, as long as you follow the terms and conditions of each website.
The benefits of using free beats are:
You can save time and effort by using ready-made beats
You can get inspired by different styles and genres of music
You can learn from the techniques and skills of other producers
You can experiment with different sounds and arrangements
You can have fun and enjoy making music
The best websites to find free 6/8 beats
There are many websites that offer free beats, but not all of them have 6/8 beats. Here are some of the best websites that have 6/8 beats that you can download and use:
Looperman
Looperman is a website that provides free loops and samples for music producers. You can find thousands of loops and samples in various genres, tempos, and formats. You can also upload your own loops and samples and share them with the community.
To find 6/8 beats on Looperman, you can use the search bar and type in "6/8" or "6-8". You can also filter the results by genre, tempo, instrument, key, or tags. You can preview the loops and samples before downloading them, and you can also rate and comment on them.
To download 6/8 beats from Looperman, you need to create a free account and log in. You can then click on the download button and save the file to your computer. You can use the loops and samples for any purpose, as long as you give credit to the original creator.
Metronome Online
Metronome Online is a website that provides a free online metronome for musicians. You can use it to practice your timing, tempo, and rhythm. You can also use it to generate simple drum beats for your music.
To create a 6/8 beat on Metronome Online, you need to select the "Drum Beats" option from the menu. You can then choose from different drum kits, such as rock, jazz, hip hop, or electronic. You can also adjust the tempo, volume, and balance of the drum beat.
To download a 6/8 beat from Metronome Online, you need to click on the "Download" button and save the file to your computer. You can use the drum beat for any purpose, as long as you do not sell or distribute it.
YouTube
YouTube is a website that provides free videos for entertainment, education, and information. You can find millions of videos on various topics, including music production. You can also find videos that have 6/8 beats that you can use for your music.
To find 6/8 beats on YouTube, you can use the search bar and type in "6/8 beat" or "6/8 drum loop". You can also filter the results by duration, upload date, view count, or rating. You can watch the videos and listen to the beats before downloading them.
To download 6/8 beats from YouTube, you need to use a third-party tool or website that allows you to convert YouTube videos to audio files. There are many tools and websites available online, but you need to be careful about their quality and safety. You also need to check the license and permissions of each video before downloading it.
Conclusion
A 6/8 beat is a type of rhythm that has six eighth notes per measure, but feels like two larger beats with three subdivisions each. It is a compound meter that has a lilting and swinging feel. It can be used for various genres and purposes of music.
To create a 6/8 beat in your software, you need to choose the right tempo and subdivision, set up the grid and the metronome, program the drums and the bass, and add melodies and harmonies. To download free 6/8 beats online, you can use websites like Looperman, Metronome Online, or YouTube.
We hope this article has helped you understand what a 6/8 beat is, how to create one in your software, and how to download one online. Now you can start making your own music with a 6 /8 beat. Have fun and enjoy making music!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about 6/8 beats:
What is the difference between 6/8 and 3/4 time signature?
Both 6/8 and 3/4 time signatures have six eighth notes per measure, but they have different ways of grouping and feeling them. In 6/8 time signature, the eighth notes are grouped into two sets of three, creating a compound duple meter. In 3/4 time signature, the eighth notes are grouped into three sets of two, creating a simple triple meter. This means that 6/8 time signature has a more lilting and swinging feel, while 3/4 time signature has a more even and regular feel.
How do you count 6/8 time signature?
You can count 6/8 time signature by saying one-and-a two-and-a, where one and two are the main beats, and and and a are the subdivisions. You can also use a metronome or a drum loop to help you feel the pulse and the groove of the music.
What are some other compound time signatures?
Some other compound time signatures are 9/8, 12/8, and 15/8. They have nine, twelve, and fifteen eighth notes per measure, respectively. They are also grouped into sets of three, creating compound triple, quadruple, and quintuple meters, respectively. They have a similar lilting and swinging feel as 6/8 time signature, but with more beats and subdivisions.
How do you write 6/8 time signature?
You can write 6/8 time signature by using a fraction with the number six on the top and the number eight on the bottom. You can also use dotted notes to represent the beats and their subdivisions. For example, a dotted quarter note equals one beat, and an eighth note equals one subdivision.
How do you change from 6/8 to another time signature?
You can change from 6/8 to another time signature by using a meter change sign. A meter change sign is a symbol that shows the new time signature at the beginning of a measure. You can also use a double bar line to indicate the end of the previous time signature and the start of the new one. 44f88ac181
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