I can't find any source that says that 6/8 is anything but a duple meter. If you find one, let me know. Everything I have read about America is that it is a measure of 6/8 time followed by a measure of 3/4 time.
. Your post is slightly inaccurate. It says that the meter does not change and this is false. In this song the meter changes from duple to triple. The time signature is 6/8 and this is the thing in this song's rhythm that does not change.
It may be that what needs to be is the distinction between "meter" and "time signature." In the example posted here, both yours and mine, there is ONE time signature and TWO alternating meters in alternating measures.
Flatfoot sez: Call me when 'Talent-in-a-Box' is ready to ship! -- [8{>
I just grabbed one that used simpler terminology. The meter does change from duple to triple which means the time signature alternates between 6/8 and 3/4. I guess we are just going to have to disagree on this one. America by Bernstein
Kemmrich is correct that the 6 = Simple Duple time.
9 and above would be Compound Duple.
My bad, for typing it above in my explanation.
The TRIO section of many Sousa Marches exhibits the use of 6/8 as Simple Duple march time, where each of the two march "steps" is divisible by three's.
The Bernsteing "America" example uses BOTH because of the Time Signature changes.
One bar of each in succession.
Really not a good example for teaching somebody the basics, eh?
Just serves to further confuse IMO.
The fellow asking about the basics of Primary Colors just wants ROY G BIV, not folks going off on how many of the various hues may be recognizable by the human eye or possibly worse yet, how many YOU can see as versus others... KISS
...The person you are disagreeing with is Leonard Bernstein. The sheet music I posted was published by him, not me.
Just to be clear, that sheet music was not written by Leonard Bernstein (probably). It is a piano/vocal transcription from the original score (probably). The main giveaway is that the song tempo is not marked as "Tempo di Huapango". Although I can't say this is the original, but if you scroll down to score page 175 (or 181 in the go to page box) here, you will see that marking. I didn't mean for this discussion to go so far sideways -- but that happens sometimes.
The only time I've run into this being an 'issue' is setting metronome BPM coupled with note value in my DAW software / using pre-recorded drum loops / and setting the correct numerator/denominator.
With my current DAW, I have to be within 20% or so of the correct BPM in order for the time stretching/compression to sound decent - might even be less than that, I've never done the math.
I will tap tempo in either correctly or 100% off, which one finds out pretty danged quick!
It's been a busy year. I haven't posted for months and was only going to wish everyone a Merry Christmas but this thread caught my attention. I thought I might try to add some clarity the discussion.
Before I start what might be turn into a short novel,the short and simple answer to the original question "what is the difference between 3/4 and 6/8 time?"...is [b]3/4 time means there are 3 beats to the bar and 6/8 time means there are 2 beats to the bar. That's it!
So to my "novel"
Mac is right...you need to know the correct terminology and most importantly how the notes are grouped, to be able to identify the time signature of a bar of music or a whole piece.
You need to know that in Simple Time, the beats are plain,undotted beats be it crotchets(quarter notes), minims(half notes) or whatever and can be subdivided into groups of 2
In Compound Times, the beats are dotted beats, dotted crotchet(dotted quarter notes), dotted quavers(dotted eighth notes), etc and can be subdivided into groups of 3
The correct terminology for Simple Times:
2/4 time is called Simple Duple Time, there are 2 crotchet(quarter note) beats to the bar.
3/4 time is called Simple Triple Time, there are 3 crotchet(quarter note) beats to the bar.
4/4 time is called Simple Quadruple Time, there are 4 crotchet(quarter note) beats to the bar.
C stands for 4/4 time as well and is also called Simple Quadruple Time.
We are all taught that the top number tells us how many beats are in the bar and the bottom number tells us what type of note gets 1 count. This is fine for Simple Time but not for Compound Times.
When I first introduce a piece in 6/8 time to a student and ask them what time do they think it is in, I know they are going to say "6 quaver (eighth note) beats to a bar". They are always puzzled when I say no...there are 2 dotted crotchet(quarter note) beats to a bar.
I go on to explain that this is a Compound Time, that there are 6 pulses in the bar, (thus the 6 on the top) but the 6 pulses are grouped into 2 dotted beats, each dotted beat having 3 pulses each.
I often use the analogy of 2 paddocks with 3 cows in each paddock, then tap the Duple rhythm counting 123 while left hand taps once only, and 456 while the right taps only only. The emphasis must be that while there are 6 pulses there are only 2 beats. (Sometimes it's easier for younger students to count 123,123 or 1&u, 2&u or even something like but-ter-fly, but-ter-fly. Anything to make sure there are only 2 beats)
The correct terminology for Compound Times:
6/8 is called Compound Duple Time, there are 2 dotted crotchet(quarter note) beats to the bar.
9/8 is called Compound Triple Time, there are 3 dotted crotchet(quarter note) beats to a bar.
12/8 time is called Compound Quadruple Time, there are 4 dotted crotchet(quarter note) beats to a bar.
Often theory exams have bars of notes with no Time Signatures and students are asked to add the correct time signatures. The students need to know how the notes are grouped to be able to work out the time.
The "America" example discussed here shows clearly 2 different groupings of the quavers(eighth note). The 5th bar in the right hand, the quavers(eighth notes) are grouped into 2 lots of 3. This can only be 6/8 time. The next bar in the Left hand, the quavers(eighth notes) are grouped into 3 lots of 2 quavers(eighth note). This can only be 3/4 time. Nothing else!
The 6/8 time signature at the beginning of the example posted just means that overall the main time of the piece is 6/8. The 3/4 bars add the energy and rhythmic variety to the piece. (Skillful writing!)
Whew! I think that's it. I can take of my "school marm" hat now. LOL
Not trying to hijack the thread but all this talk about 6/8 reminds me we still don't have a good 6/8 in BIAB for tunes like I Still Have The Blues. On my wishlist for 2015 for sure.
Not trying to hijack the thread but all this talk about 6/8 reminds me we still don't have a good 6/8 in BIAB for tunes like I Still Have The Blues. On my wishlist for 2015 for sure.
There have been far more answers than I would have ever thought possible. One things for sure, time signature and meter are more complicated than they appear on the surface.
All the responses have been great to read; I'm learning so much.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean