Time and Tempo Some find it hard to distinguish between reels, jigs, hornpipes, etc. The TIME of the tune is the definitive structure as to what category the tune falls into. However there are distinct stylizations that separate reels from hornpipes and hornpipes from highlands. Here are the categories and their times: Jigs = 6/8 Time Reels = 4/4 Time Hornpipes = 4/4 Time Polkas = 2/4 Time Slip Jigs = 9/8 Time Slides = 12/8 Time Waltz = 3/4 Time Mazurkas = 4/4 Time Highlands = 4/4 Time The Tempo of each one can be given as a guide as well: Double Jigs = 126 Slow Jigs = 80 Reels = 112/120 Hornpipes = 92 Slow Hornpipes = 54-84 Polkas = 132/138 Slides = 132/138 Slip Jigs = 144 Mazurkas = 63 Highlands = 88 Traditional Irish Music Structure Traditional Irish Music Modes and Scales