six-eight time: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Musical
Quick answer
What does “six-eight time” mean?
A musical meter or time signature with six quaver (eighth note) beats per measure, typically grouped as two sets of three.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A musical meter or time signature with six quaver (eighth note) beats per measure, typically grouped as two sets of three.
A rhythmic feel or piece of music characterized by this meter, often conveying a lilting, compound, or flowing quality, commonly used in folk music, lullabies, and certain dance forms like the tarantella.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology: UK 'quaver' vs. US 'eighth note'. The term 'six-eight time' itself is identical and standard in both.
Connotations
None; purely technical.
Frequency
Equally common in musical discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “six-eight time” in a Sentence
The [noun] is in six-eight time.Play [noun] in a six-eight meter.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “six-eight time” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The six-eight section provides a contrast.
American English
- A six-eight feel permeates the song.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in music theory, ethnomusicology, and composition studies.
Everyday
Rare; only in discussions about music.
Technical
Core term in music notation, performance, and analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “six-eight time”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “six-eight time”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “six-eight time”
- Confusing it with 3/4 time. In 3/4, you count three beats per measure (ONE-two-three). In 6/8, you feel two larger beats, each subdivided into three (ONE-two-three-FOUR-five-six).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both have six eighth notes, 6/8 is a compound duple meter (felt in two groups of three), and 3/4 is a simple triple meter (felt in three groups of two).
Typically with a two-beat pattern (down-out, down-out), where each beat encompasses three eighth notes.
Folk dances (jigs, tarantellas), lullabies, marches, blues, ballads, and some rock and pop songs (e.g., 'We Are the Champions' by Queen).
Yes. The tempo (speed) is independent of the meter. A slow 6/8 might sound lyrical, while a fast 6/8 is energetic and driving.
A musical meter or time signature with six quaver (eighth note) beats per measure, typically grouped as two sets of three.
Six-eight time is usually technical / musical in register.
Six-eight time: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪks ˈeɪt ˌtaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪks ˈeɪt ˌtaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the nursery rhyme 'Pop Goes the Weasel' – its 'pop' happens on the fourth quaver, highlighting the two groups of three in 6/8.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MEASURED CONTAINER (divided into grouped units).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of six-eight time?