9/8 metronome
9/8 usually has three dotted-quarter beats per bar, each divided into three eighths (3+3+3). It is the meter of the Irish slip jig. It can also be grouped unevenly, as in the 2+2+2+3 of Dave Brubeck's "Blue Rondo à la Turk".
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Space start/stop · ↑ ↓ ±1 BPM · Shift ±10 · T tap
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How to count 9/8
For compound 9/8 count "1-la-li 2-la-li 3-la-li". For the irregular 2+2+2+3 grouping count "1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2-3".
Metronome settings for 9/8
- Switch the grouping between 3+3+3 and 2+2+2+3 to hear the two very different feels.
- For slip jigs, feel three beats per bar with a smooth, flowing lilt.
- Set 3 beats with triplet subdivisions if you prefer to count dotted quarters.
Accent groupings for 9/8
The metronome offers these groupings for 9 beats; the first beat of each group is accented: 3+3+3, 2+2+2+3, 2+2+3+2, 2+3+2+2, 3+2+2+2.
Other time signatures
- 2/4simple duple
- 3/4simple triple
- 4/4simple quadruple
- 5/4irregular (odd)
- 6/8compound duple
- 7/8irregular (odd)
- 12/8compound quadruple
New to meters? Read time signatures explained.
FAQ
How do you count 9/8 time?
For compound 9/8 count "1-la-li 2-la-li 3-la-li". For the irregular 2+2+2+3 grouping count "1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2-3".
How do I set a metronome for 9/8?
Set 9 beats per bar with a eighth-note beat and choose the 3+3+3 accent grouping. This page is already set up that way at 180 BPM; the BPM counts eighth notes.
What kind of meter is 9/8?
9/8 is a compound triple meter: 9 eighth notes per bar.