Fundamental Rhythm in 3/4 and 6/8

Triple and Compound Time Signatures

Not all music is in 4/4. Two other common meters:

3/4 time (triple meter): 3 beats per measure, each beat is a quarter note. This is the meter of waltzes — count 1-2-3, 1-2-3 with a strong emphasis on beat 1.

6/8 time (compound duple): 6 eighth notes per measure, grouped into 2 sets of 3. Count 1-2-3-4-5-6 with accents on 1 and 4. Each group of 3 eighth notes feels like one big beat, so 6/8 has a lilting, swaying quality.

The key difference: 3/4 feels like 3 main beats; 6/8 feels like 2 main beats, each divided into 3.

Rhythm in 3/4 Time

Study this 3/4 waltz rhythm. Count 1-2-3 for each measure, with a natural emphasis on beat 1.

Feel the Difference: 3/4 vs 6/8

• Clap the 6/8 pattern, accenting beats 1 and 4
• Compare the feel to the 3/4 example — notice the grouped-in-threes quality
• Sway or move your body to internalize the compound meter feel
• Count 1-2-3-4-5-6 at first, then shift to feeling just 2 big beats