Last Updated on July 10, 2022 by Rebecca
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What is 6/8 time?
In 6/8 time, each measure contains 6 pulses, and an eighth note equals one pulse. The 6 pulses are grouped into 2 beats of 3 pulses each.
For a much more in-depth explanation of 6/8 time, continue reading!
- What is 6/8 time?
- What is a time signature?
- Simple Meter vs. Compound Meter
- What Is a 6/8 Time Signature?
- How to Count 6/8 Time
- Note Values in 6/8 Time
- Rest Values in 6/8 Time
- How to Understand Metronome Tempo Markings in 6/8 Time
- What is the difference between 6/8 time and 3/4 time?
- What is the difference between 6/8 time and 2/4 time?
- Practice with 6/8 Time Signature Examples
- Piano Pieces in 6/8 Time
- Related Posts
What is a time signature?
A time signature shows you how the beats and pulses of a piece of music should be felt. It helps you understand how to count the music so you can play the rhythm correctly.
If you're completely unfamiliar with time signatures, it's best to start by mastering simple time signatures (like 4/4, 3/4, and 2/4) before you dive into compound time signatures like 6/8 time.
To learn more about simple time signatures check out the following articles:
- Rhythm for Beginners: 8 Basic Rhythms You Must Master in 4/4 Time
- Time Signatures and Meter: A Beginner’s Guide
If you're already familiar with simple time signatures, keep reading to learn all about 6/8 time and compound meter!
Simple Meter vs. Compound Meter
When learning to understand 6/8 time, you first need to understand the difference between simple meter and compound meter.
What Is Simple Meter?
As a beginner, you likely started by learning to count and play music in 4/4 time, 3/4 time, and 2/4 time. These are all examples of simple meter.
In simple meter, the top number of a time signature tells you how many beats are in a measure, and the bottom number tells you what type of note is equal to 1 beat.
The next thing you need to learn about simple meter is that each beat is subdivided into 2 equal parts. These equal parts are called pulses.
So in 4/4 time, for example, you have 4 beats and 8 pulses.
You can count the beats and pulses numerically: 1+2+3+4+.
Or, to get the feel of the metrical pattern, you could count the beats and pulses with words: PEA-nut PEA-nut PEA-nut PEA-nut. This shows that each main beat is more emphasized than the off-beat pulse that follows on the half-beat.
To get an even better feel for the metrical pattern of 4/4 time (which should follow a pattern of STRONG weak MEDIUM weak, or SwMw, on the main beats of the measure), you could create a 4-word phrase that naturally follows the same SwMw pattern of emphasis: PEA-nut BUT-ter JEL-ly SAND-wich.
What Is Compound Meter?
In compound meter, each beat is subdivided into 3 equal parts (instead of 2). Just as in simple meter, these equal parts are called pulses.
Some examples of time signatures that are compound meter include 6/8, 9/8, and 12/8.
In compound time signatures, the top number indicates how many pulses will be in a measure (not how many beats, as is the case in simple time signatures).
The bottom number in compound time signatures indicates what type of note will equal 1 pulse (not 1 beat, as is the case in simple time signatures).
Since each beat in compound meter is divided into 3 pulses, you’ll notice that in compound time signatures, the top number will always be a multiple of 3.
If you want to know how many beats are in a measure of compound time, simply take the top number of the time signature and divide it by 3.
What Is a 6/8 Time Signature?
The 6/8 time signature is in compound meter. As mentioned above, this means that each beat is subdivided into 3 equal parts, or pulses.
The 6 on the top tells you that there will be 6 pulses in each measure. Divide that number by 3 and you know each measure will have 2 beats.
The 8 on the bottom tells you that an 8th note will equal 1 pulse. So you can have 6 eighth notes in each measure (one for each pulse).
How to Count 6/8 Time
Just as with any other time signature, you can count 6/8 time either with numbers or with words.
Counting 6/8 Time with Numbers
When counting in compound time, it is generally easier to count the pulses rather than the beats.
So in 6/8 time, you'll count 6 pulses in each measure.
But when counting those 6 pulses, it's crucial to remember that they make up 2 beats in the measure, which needs to be felt in the way you emphasize or accent different pulses.
So rather than simply counting 123456 with equal emphasis on each pulse, you need to count 123456, with stronger emphasis on pulses 1 and 4.
Furthermore, the metrical pattern in 6/8 time is STRONG-weak. So you need to make sure the second beat of the measure feels less emphasized than the first beat.
And you also need to make sure the 2nd and 3rd pulses of each beat are even less emphasized. This might seem complicated at first, but it becomes much easier once you remember that we usually count compound meter in pulses rather than beats.
When you count 6/8 time as six pulses that happen to be felt as 2 beats, it's easier to think of the metrical pattern as STRONG-weak-weak MEDIUM-weak-weak (Sww Mww).
This shows that you have a strong first beat (starting on pulse 1) followed by a weaker second beat (starting on pulse 4), and also that the 2nd and 3rd pulses of each beat are the weakest pulses in the measure.
Counting 6/8 Time with Words
When using words to count groups of 3 in music, I always like to use the word strawberry because it has a strong (or accented) 1st syllable, followed by 2 weaker (or unaccented) syllables. It follows the Sww metrical pattern that is needed when music is grouped into threes.
So in 6/8 time, each 8th note would represent one syllable of the word strawberry. And since there are 2 beats (with 3 pulses each) in a measure of 6/8 time, you would count each measure as STRAW-ber-ry STRAW-ber-ry.
But it’s important to remember that the second beat is less accented than the first beat. So your second “strawberry” would be less accented than the first.
For this reason, you may find it easier to use a short 2-word phrase for each measure rather than repeating the same word for each beat. For example, you might say BEAU-ti-ful BUT-ter-fly or MU-si-cal MAS-ter-piece.
Is it better to count 6/8 time with numbers or with words?
Personally I prefer to count with numbers.
Counting with words in 6/8 time is simple enough when you're only dealing with full pulses, but it becomes more complicated when you start adding half pulses and other smaller note values.
Adding the “ands” for the half pulses between the numbers (1+2+3+4+5+6+) just feels so much more natural to me than trying to figure out how to count out the half pulses using words.
That being said, I do sometimes use counting with words to help students get a feel for the metrical pulse of SwwMww that they should be feeling when they count their numbers.
The words sometimes make it easier to get a feel for the pulse when you’re first learning. Then once you’ve got the idea, it’s easy to continue that Sww Mww metrical pattern while counting with numbers.
Note Values in 6/8 Time
Whole Notes in 6/8 Time
You won’t ever see whole notes in 6/8 time. Remember that a whole note is equivalent to 8 eighth notes. In 6/8 time, each measure can include a maximum of 6 eighth notes. So a whole note just doesn’t fit.
Dotted Half Notes in 6/8 Time
A dotted half note is equivalent to 6 eighth notes. So in 6/8 time, a dotted half note equals 6 pulses, and it will fill an entire measure.
Half Notes in 6/8 Time
A half note is equivalent to 4 eighth notes. So in 6/8 time, a half note equals 4 pulses.
However, remember that 1 beat in 6/8 time gets 3 pulses. For this reason, you won't ever see a half note in 6/8 time.
A half note in 6/8 time would cross the midline of the measure, making the division of the 2 beats less clear.
Instead, you might see a dotted quarter note tied to an eighth note, or 2 quarter notes tied together. This would indicate a note held for 4 pulses, but would visually maintain the separation between the 2 beats.
Dotted Quarter Notes in 6/8 Time
A dotted quarter note is equivalent to 3 eighth notes. So in 6/8 time, a dotted quarter note equals 3 pulses.
Remember that each group of 3 eighth notes is equal to 1 beat in 6/8 time. So in 6/8 time, a dotted quarter note represents 1 full beat.
Quarter Notes in 6/8 Time
A quarter note is equivalent to 2 eighth notes. So in 6/8 time, a quarter note equals 2 pulses.
Eighth Notes in 6/8 Time
In 6/8 time, an eighth note equals 1 pulse.
16th Notes in 6/8 Time
A 16th note is equivalent to half of an 8th note. So in 6/8 time, a 16th note equals half a pulse. This is where you’ll end up counting “and” between your numbers.
Rest Values in 6/8 Time
Whole Rests in 6/8 Time
A whole rest always means rest for the entire duration of the measure, regardless of the length of the measure. So in 6/8 time, a whole rest equals 6 pulses.
Dotted Half Rests in 6/8 Time
A dotted half rest is equivalent to 6 eighth rests. So in 6/8 time a dotted half rest equals 6 pulses, which would mean an empty measure.
However, you won't ever see a dotted half rest in 6/8 time because an empty measure (in any time signature) is indicated using a whole rest.
Half Rests in 6/8 Time
A half rest is equivalent to 4 eighth rests. So in 6/8 time, a half rest equals 4 pulses.
You won't see a half rest in 6/8 time for the same reason you won't see a half note in 6/8 time. It visually obscures the separation between the 2 beats of the measure.
Dotted Quarter Rests in 6/8 Time
A dotted quarter rest is equivalent to 3 eighth rests. So in 6/8 time, a dotted quarter rest equals 3 pulses.
Remember that each group of 3 eighth rests is equal to 1 beat in 6/8 time. So in 6/8 time, a dotted quarter rest represents 1 full beat of silence.
Quarter Rests in 6/8 Time
A quarter rest is equivalent to 2 eighth rests. So in 6/8 time, a quarter rest equals 2 pulses.
Eighth Rests in 6/8 Time
In 6/8 time, an eighth rest equals 1 pulse.
16th Rests in 6/8 Time
A 16th rest is equivalent to half of an 8th rest. So in 6/8 time, a 16th rest equals half a pulse. This is where you’ll end up counting “and” between your numbers.
How to Understand Metronome Tempo Markings in 6/8 Time
Metronome tempo markings provide a BPM (beats per minute) measurement. So in 6/8 time, the metronome tempo marking provided will show a dotted quarter note followed by a BPM number.
This is a bit more complex than metronome tempo markings in simple time. But it’s simple enough to wrap your head around it once you understand how it works.
All you need to remember is that 1 full beat in 6/8 time includes 3 pulses. So you’ll count 123 with the first click of your metronome, and then 456 with the second click of your metronome. The clicks will land on the 1 count and the 4 count.
This may feel a bit tricky at first, so if you need to, go ahead and practice counting out loud with your metronome at various tempos, without the pressure of actually playing anything at your piano. Establishing a strong sense of rhythm is crucial in learning and playing music effectively.
If you're struggling to get your pulses even, there are a couple of different ways you can set your metronome to click on each pulse rather than on each beat.
Many metronome apps include a BPM setting (to set your tempo) and also a “clicks per beat” setting. So simply set your tempo in BPM, then set your “clicks per beat” to 3. This way you’ll get 1 metronome click for every pulse (instead of every beat), which will help you to make sure all your pulses are even.
If you're using a traditional metronome, or if your metronome app doesn't have a “clicks per beat” feature, simply take the BPM marking from your sheet music and multiply it by 3. So if your music says a dotted quarter note = 40, multiply that number by 3 and set your metronome to 120. Now you'll get one click for every pulse.
My favourite metronome app: Natural Metronome
What is the difference between 6/8 time and 3/4 time?
As a beginner, you might be wondering what the difference is between 6/8 time and 3/4 time. After all, in both time signatures, there are 6 eighth notes to fill a measure.
But the two time signatures are actually different, and when played effectively they will feel and sound different.
To understand the difference, you need to understand the difference between compound duple meter, and simple triple meter.
Compound Duple Meter
6/8 time is compound duple meter. Remember, compound meter means each beat is subdivided into 3 pulses. Duple meter means each measure is made up of 2 beats. So in compound duple meter, you have 2 beats (duple), each divided into 3 pulses (compound).
Remember also that the metrical pattern for 6/8 time is Sww Mww. With words, this could be represented as “BEAU-ti-ful BUT-ter-fly.”
Simple Triple Meter
3/4 time is simple triple meter. Remember that simple meter means each beat is subdivided into 2 pulses. Triple meter means each measure is made up of 3 beats. So in simple triple meter, you have 3 beats (triple) divided into 2 pulses each (simple).
Remember also that the metrical pattern for 3/4 time is Sww (with even weaker beats on the “ands” between the 3 counts). With words, this could be represented as “PEA-nut BUT-ter SAND-wich.”
Comparing 6/8 Time and 3/4 Time
So how do these 2 time signatures look different on the music staff?
In the diagram below, you can see what a full measure of 8th notes looks like in 6/8 time and in 3/4 time. The diagram also outlines how the pulses and beats are counted differently in each time signature.
Notice that 8th notes are beamed differently in each time signature. This helps musicians see the division of beats.
Try setting your metronome to a relatively slow tempo (around 45 BPM) and speaking the words to get a feel for how each time signature is different from the other. Consider also clapping along with each pulse to really feel the difference.
What is the difference between 6/8 time and 2/4 time?
As a beginner, you might also find yourself wondering what the difference is between 6/8 time and 2/4 time. After all, both time signatures are built on 2 beats in each measure.
Once again, the two time signatures are actually different, and when played effectively they will feel and sound different.
In this case, you need to understand the difference between compound duple meter, and simple duple meter.
As mentioned above, 6/8 time is compound duple meter: each measure is made up of 2 beats (duple), each divided into 3 pulses (compound).
Simple Duple Meter
2/4 time is simple duple meter. This means each measure includes 2 beats (duple), and each beat is subdivided into 2 pulses (simple).
Remember also that the metrical pattern for 2/4 time is Sw (with even weaker beats on the “ands” between the beats). With words, this could be represented as “PEA-nut BUT-ter.”
Comparing 6/8 Time and 2/4 Time
How do these 2 time signatures look different on the music staff?
In the diagram below, you can see a full measure of 8th notes represented in 6/8 time and then in 2/4 time. The diagram also outlines how the pulses and beats are counted differently in each time signature.
Notice again that 8th notes are beamed differently in each time signature to help musicians to see the division of beats.
Try setting your metronome to a relatively slow tempo (around 45 BPM) and speaking the words to get a feel for how each time signature is different from the other. Consider also clapping along with each pulse to really feel the difference.
Practice with 6/8 Time Signature Examples
The diagrams below provide a few examples of short musical phrases in 6/8 time.
Try setting your metronome to a comfortable tempo (a slow tempo!) and clapping the rhythm of the notes while counting out loud. Choose for yourself whether you prefer counting with words or numbers. Or try both!
Once you get the hang of clapping the rhythms, maybe even try playing them on your piano (using any notes you wish) as you count along with your metronome.
For more rhythm practice, try these rhythm flashcards.
Piano Pieces in 6/8 Time
Looking for some examples of piano pieces written in 6/8 time?
Here is a list of pieces in 6/8 time for piano learners of various levels, from beginner to advanced. These pieces are levelled according to the Royal Conservatory of Music‘s Piano Syllabus.
Keep in mind that the “elementary” pieces on this list assume that you've already completed some piano method books for beginners, and you're already comfortable with the basics of reading music on the grand staff to play simple piano pieces.
If you aren't yet comfortable playing simple pieces in 2/4 time, 3/4 time, and 4/4 time, then you might not be ready to start playing pieces in 6/8 time just yet. But you may enjoy checking out some of these pieces on YouTube to hear how they sound!
Elementary Piano Pieces in 6/8 Time
- Foggy Beach by Stephen Chatman (RCM Prep B)
- Pop Goes the Weasel English folk song arr. Andrew Markow (RCM Prep B)
- Monté sur un éléphant “Climb up on an Elephant” French Canadian folk song arr. by Nancy Telfer (RCM Level 1)
- Bears by Linda Niamath (RCM Level 1)
- Quiet Lagoon by Jon George (RCM Level 2)
- Gigue a l'Angloise by Georg Philipp Telemann (RCM Level 3)
- Summer Delight by Janet Gieck (RCM Level 3)
Intermediate Piano Pieces in 6/8 Time
- Siciliano op. 68, no. 11 by Robert Schumann (RCM Level 5)
- Sonatina in F Major op. 168, no. 1 III: Rondo by Anton Diabelli (RCM Level 6)
- On the Lake op. 77, no. 12 by Heinrich Hofmann (RCM Level 6)
- Solitary Traveller op. 43, no. 2 by Edvard Grieg (RCM Level 7)
- Nocturne by Clifford Poole (RCM Level 7)
- Rondo in C Major op. 52, no. 6 by Johann Nepomuk Hummel (RCM Level 8)
- Reiterstuck “The Horseman” op. 68, no. 23 by Robert Schumann (RCM Level 8)
- Fiesta op. 52, no. 7 by Joaquin Turina (RCM Level 8)
- Sneaky by Stephen Chatman (RCM Level 8)
Advanced Piano Pieces in 6/8 Time
- Scotch Poem op. 31, no. 2 by Edward MacDowell (RCM Level 9)
- Sonata in A Major, K 311 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (RCM ARCT)