Reggae BPM Range
60 — 90 BPM
Typical midpoint: 75 BPM (Adagio) — 800 ms per beat
About Reggae Tempo
Reggae typically falls between 60 and 90 BPM, creating its signature laid-back, groovy feel. The slower tempo allows the characteristic offbeat guitar skank and deep bass to breathe. Roots reggae anchors around 70-80 BPM, while dancehall picks up to 80-105. Dub typically sits at the slower end (65-75 BPM) to emphasize space and effects.
Characteristics
- Offbeat rhythmic emphasis (skank guitar)
- Deep, prominent bass lines
- One-drop drum pattern
- Roots in Jamaican musical traditions
Reggae Subgenre BPMs
| Subgenre | BPM Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Roots Reggae | 70-80 | Conscious lyrics, one-drop drums |
| Dub | 65-80 | Instrumental, heavy effects, spacious |
| Dancehall | 80-110 | Faster, modern, club-oriented |
| Lovers Rock | 70-90 | Romantic, soul-influenced |
| Rocksteady | 70-85 | Reggae's direct precursor, smoother feel |
Example Reggae Songs and Their BPMs
| Song | Artist | BPM |
|---|---|---|
| No Woman, No Cry | Bob Marley | 78 |
| Three Little Birds | Bob Marley | 76 |
| Pressure Drop | Toots & the Maytals | 130 |
| King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown | Augustus Pablo | 70 |
BPM values are approximate and may vary based on the version or remix. Use our tap tempo tool to verify any track.
Production Tip
76 BPM is the classic reggae anchor. Skank guitar on offbeats only, kick on beat 3 (one-drop), bass leading the harmonic motion.
Want to check if your track matches the typical Reggae tempo?
Use the Tap Tempo ToolRelated Genres
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