- Understand 6/8 time (compound duple meter)
- Feel the difference between 6/8 and 3/4 time
- Master the "lilting" rhythm of 6/8
- Play jigs, folk songs, and classical pieces in 6/8
Introduction
6/8 time is one of music's most delightful meters! Despite having "6" in the time signature, it usually feels like two big beats per measure, each divided into three. This creates a flowing, lilting feel perfect for jigs, barcarolles, and many folk songs.
Understanding 6/8 Time
Time Signature: 6/8
- Top number (6): Six eighth notes per measure
- Bottom number (8): Eighth note gets one count
- BUT: Usually felt in TWO main beats (not six!)
- Each main beat divides into THREE eighth notes
Count: "1-2-3, 4-5-6" or "ONE-two-three, TWO-two-three" (emphasis on 1 and 4)
6/8 vs. 3/4: What's the Difference?
Both have similar note patterns, but they feel different!
| 3/4 Time | 6/8 Time |
|---|---|
| Three beats per measure | Two beats per measure (in threes) |
| Quarter note gets the beat | Dotted quarter gets the beat |
| Waltz feel: 1-2-3 | Jig feel: 1-2-3, 4-5-6 |
| Simple meter (beats divide in 2) | Compound meter (beats divide in 3) |
Six eighth notes—but feel TWO main beats. Count: "ONE-two-three, TWO-two-three"
Emphasis: First G and first A are strongest
Dotted quarters fill half a measure (3 eighth notes worth).
Count: "ONE-two-three, TWO-two-three" (one note per beat group)
The "Lilting" Rhythm
6/8 creates a distinctive rolling, lilting quality used in:
- Jigs - Fast Irish dance music
- Barcarolles - Venetian gondola songs
- Sicilianos - Pastoral Baroque dances
- Folk songs - "Greensleeves," "House of the Rising Sun"
A flowing melody emphasizing the two-beat feel.
Two groups of three eighths, then a dotted quarter (rest of measure implied)
Irish Jig: The Kesh Jig
One of the most famous Irish jigs!
Count: "1-2-3, 4-5-6" for each measure. Keep it bouncy and light!
Common Rhythm Patterns in 6/8
Three eighths + two eighths + one eighth = 6 total
Feel: LONG-short-short (1-2-3, 4-5, 6)
Two groups of three eighth notes (most common)
Feel: 1-2-3, 4-5-6 (balanced)
Two eighths beamed as a quarter, then one eighth (repeat twice)
Feel: 1-2, 3 / 4-5, 6 (syncopated feel)
Greensleeves in 6/8
A flowing tune in 6/8 time!
Tip: Let it flow gently—don't emphasize every eighth note!
Conducting 6/8
The conducting pattern for 6/8 is usually in TWO (not six):
- Beat 1: Down (counts 1-2-3)
- Beat 2: Up (counts 4-5-6)
This emphasizes the compound feel. Try conducting yourself while playing!
Slow vs. Fast 6/8
- Slow 6/8: Each eighth note is felt individually (siciliano, lullaby)
- Fast 6/8: Only two main beats are felt (jig, tarantella)
The tempo determines whether you "feel in 6" or "feel in 2".
Common 6/8 Mistakes
- ❌ Counting in 6 instead of 2 - At moderate/fast tempos, feel two beats!
- ❌ Confusing with 3/4 - Remember: 6/8 has a compound (grouped threes) feel
- ❌ Losing the lilt - Don't play mechanically. Let it flow!
- ❌ Rushing the eighths - Keep eighth notes even within each group
Practice Routine (25 minutes daily)
- Clap and count 6/8 patterns - 5 minutes
- Exercises 1-3 (basic 6/8 patterns) - 7 minutes
- Irish jig (The Kesh Jig) - 5 minutes
- Greensleeves in 6/8 - 5 minutes
- Compare 3/4 vs 6/8 on same melody - 3 minutes