6/8 time is a compound meter in which each beat is divided into three notes. Despite the “6” in the time signature, there are really only two main beats per measure, each one a dotted quarter note. These each divide into three eighth notes. 6/8 can also be felt as six beats, with each beat being an eighth note.
What does a 3/8 time signature mean?
A 3/8 time signature means there are three beats in each measure. The “8” means that the eighth note gets one beat. This means that there are three eighth note beats per measure. It can sometimes be confusing learning how to count 3/8 time. Explaining Time Signatures breaks down how to read time signatures and why they’re important.
How do you count in 6/8 time?
6/8 time is counted in two main ways. The easiest way to count 6/8 is by dividing each measure into 6 eighth note beats. But 6/8 is really meant to be felt in two, with each measure counted as two dotted quarter note pulses.
How do you count in 3/8 time?
The best way to count in 3/8 time is by dividing each measure into three eighth note beats.
What’s the difference between 6/8 and 3/8 time?
The difference between 6/8 and 3/8 time is that 6/8 is compound duple meter with two beats per measure and each beat divided in three, while 3/8 is simple triple with three beats per measure. The main beat unit in 6/8 is a dotted quarter note, while in 3/8 it’s an eighth note.
Why is 3/8 time signature less common than 6/8?
The reason 3/8 is less common than 6/8 is that 3/8 has a different rhythmic feel that is used less frequently in common repertoire. 3/8 can really only be felt in one way, in three eighth note beats per measure which makes for a short measure. However, 6/8 can be played in two different ways. 6/8 can be played where all six eighth note beats are felt per measure. Or, 6/8 can be played with what feels like two beats per measure. 6/8 has more variety which allows for more use in music.
The 3/8 time signature is categorized as simple triple meter, which means there are three beats in a measure. Each beat can be broken down into two sixteenth notes. 6/8 is considered a compound duple meter because it can be felt in two beats, with each beat breaking down into a group of three.
To learn more about compound and simple time signatures, check out our article about Simple vs Compound Meter.
What it means when a time signature has an '8' on the bottom
How to read and perform rhythms in 3/8 and 6/8 time signature
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