6/8 time
In 6/8 time every measure holds six eighth notes, grouped in threes. The strong beats are one and four, so the measure is felt as two big beats.
The top number 6 tells how many counts are in a measure; the bottom 8 says that each count is an eighth note. Count one, two, three, four, five, six, stressing one and four. When the music is faster, count only the two big beats: one, two.
One big beat lasts as long as three eighth notes — a dotted quarter note. Two dotted quarters fill the measure. So do six eighths, or a quarter and an eighth twice, or three eighths and a dotted quarter — always two groups of three.
A measure of 3/4 also holds six eighth notes, but grouped in twos: three beats, a waltz. In 6/8 they are grouped in threes: two beats, rocking like a lullaby or a boat on the waves. Same number of notes; only the strong ones differ. 6/8 is a compound metre: each beat divides into three.
What it sounds like
Six-eight rocks: one-two-three, four-five-six. It is the feel of lullabies, sea songs and many folk tunes.
Where it is taught: the studio’s interactive textbook, chapter 14, “6/8 and the waltz pulse”.