6/8 metronome
6/8 has six eighth notes per bar grouped in two sets of three: two dotted-quarter beats, each divided into three. It gives a rolling, lilting feel heard in jigs, barcarolles, slow ballads and many rock and gospel songs.
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How to count 6/8
At slower tempos count all six eighths: "1 2 3 4 5 6" with accents on 1 and 4. At faster tempos feel it in two: "1-la-li 2-la-li". This page clicks every eighth note at 180 per minute — the same as 60 dotted-quarter beats per minute.
Metronome settings for 6/8
- To feel 6/8 in two, set 2 beats per bar and turn on triplet subdivisions; the BPM is then the dotted quarter.
- Accent beats 1 and 4 (grouping 3+3) — that is what separates 6/8 from 3/4.
- Slow 6/8 ballads are around 40–60 dotted-quarter beats per minute.
Accent groupings for 6/8
The metronome offers these groupings for 6 beats; the first beat of each group is accented: 3+3, 2+2+2.
Other time signatures
- 2/4simple duple
- 3/4simple triple
- 4/4simple quadruple
- 5/4irregular (odd)
- 7/8irregular (odd)
- 9/8compound triple
- 12/8compound quadruple
New to meters? Read time signatures explained.
FAQ
How do you count 6/8 time?
At slower tempos count all six eighths: "1 2 3 4 5 6" with accents on 1 and 4. At faster tempos feel it in two: "1-la-li 2-la-li". This page clicks every eighth note at 180 per minute — the same as 60 dotted-quarter beats per minute.
How do I set a metronome for 6/8?
Set 6 beats per bar with a eighth-note beat and choose the 3+3 accent grouping. This page is already set up that way at 180 BPM; the BPM counts eighth notes.
What kind of meter is 6/8?
6/8 is a compound duple meter: 6 eighth notes per bar.