Feeling the Difference Between 3/4 and 6/8 Time Signature — Musical Mama (2024)

FAQs

How to feel the difference between 3 4 and 6 8? ›

You'll find that the feel of the two is completely different! In conclusion, the difference between the two-time signatures: we hear and feel 3/4 in 3, whereas we hear and feel 6/8 in two. 3/4 has three groups of two; 6/8 has two groups of three.

Sometimes, people confuse 8/8 with 4/4, since both have 8 eighth notes. Sometimes, people confuse 8/8 with 4/4, since both have 8 quavers. Notice that 4/4 groups the measure into four beats of two eighth notes (simple quadruple), while 8/8 groups it into three odd beats.

Equivalent fractions means that 3/4 is the same as 6/8, which is the same as 12/16. This is highlighted on the number line chart. When we multiply two whole numbers we obtain a whole number as the result. But when we divide two whole numbers, the result in most cases will not be a whole number.

Explanation: Recall that multiplying both sides of a fraction by a number results in the same ratio. Therefore, 3:4 and 6:8 are equal ratios.

6/8 consists of two groups of 3 eighth notes, whereas 3/4 consists of three groups of 2 eighth notes. A group here is the same as one beat. Note that often, a rhythm in 3/4 like the above is written with one beam across all six eighth notes.

Another common time signature is 3/4, which is often used for waltzes and other ballroom dances. This time signature is seen in popular music such as “Can't Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley to create a more dance-like feel.

6/8 time has a flowing, compound feel. The beats are divided into groups of three, and each beat is subdivided into two. This creates a rhythm that is both lilting and dance-like.

3/4: This time signature is sometimes heard in pop, but is used more often in R&B, country, ballads, scherzi, minuets and waltzes.

In a jazz context, "waltz" signifies any piece of music in 3/4 time, whether intended for dancing or not.

Finally, we have the 3/8 time signature. It's similar to 6/8 but feels faster because it only has one larger beat that divides into three eighth notes. It's often used for lively, quick music pieces.

What is the difference between 3 4 and 6 4 time signature? ›

In 3/4, there are 3 quarter notes per measure, and in 6/4 there are 6 quarter notes per measure. When we're talking about the nuts and bolts of music notation, that's pretty much the only difference between the two time signatures.

So what's the difference, when we have 4/4, it's just that it has 4 quarter notes in each bar, and 4/8 means that there are 4 eighth notes in each bar.

Solution. The given sequence is 2, 4, 6, 8, .... The difference between two consecutive terms is constant. ∴ The given sequence is an A.P. and common difference (d) = 2.