sixbeat

Sixbeat is a term used in rhythm practice and music theory to describe a measure subdivided into six equal pulses. It is not tied to a single notation or meter, but can be realized in several common notations, such as six eighth notes in a measure (6/8) or six quarter notes in a measure (6/4), or by subdividing a beat into six equal parts within other time signatures. In performance, sixbeat patterns are defined by their six-pulse cycle, with various accent schemes that yield different feels. A simple example places accents on pulses 1 and 4, yielding a two-beat feel within the six-pulse cycle, while a more even six-pulse groove emphasizes all six positions equally.

Usage and context: The concept occurs in many musical traditions where rhythmic cycles approximate six pulses per measure. However, “sixbeat” is not a standard term in most music-theory literature; writers typically describe the underlying meter (such as 6/8 or 6/4) and the accent pattern rather than using the umbrella term.

Relation to related concepts: Sixbeat is related to sextuplets (grouping six notes within a beat) and to sextuple-meter in some traditions; it also intersects with compound meters and irregular meters where six primary pulses are perceived.

See also: sextuple meter; sextuplet; compound meter; irregular meter.