How to count 6/8
Six eighth notes per bar grouped in two threes: “1-2-3-4-5-6”, leaning on 1 and 4. At slow tempos you count all six; at fast tempos you only feel two beats.
Tempo in eighth notes
On this page the tempo counts eighth notes. If your score marks the dotted quarter, multiply by three: dotted quarter = 60 equals 180 eighth notes per minute.
Where you'll find it
Marches, jigs, tarantellas, ballads and a lot of Celtic music are in 6/8.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between 6/8 and 3/4?
Both have six eighth notes, but 6/8 groups them 3+3 (two beats) and 3/4 groups them 2+2+2 (three beats).