3/4, 6/8, and 12/8 Time Explained

Some of the most beloved guitar songs don't follow the 'straight rhythm' feel that we've used so far.

They actually have a waltz-like or swaying feel, counting in threes rather than twos. This is compound time, and once you feel it, you'll recognise it easily.

Everything we've played until now has been in simple time (straight feel), where beats divide into two. Again, compound time divides beats into three - even blues shuffles are based on this 'triplet' feel; shuffle being similar to sway!

Main Learning Points:

• Simple vs Compound time:

  The main beat in the bar divided by two vs divided by three

• 3/4 time: three main beats per bar (rare in guitar songs, e.g., Mr. Bojangles)

• 6/8 time: six eighth notes per bar, simply count 1-2-3-4-5-6

  There are 2 main beats in 6/8 time, with those 2 beats divided into 3 parts

• 12/8 time: count 1-and-a-2-and-a-3-and-a-4-and-a

  There are 4 main beats in 12/8 time, with those 4 beats divided into 3 parts

• House of the Rising Sun, Hallelujah in 6/8

• Tennessee Whiskey as a 12/8 example

These time signatures have a naturally relaxing quality. After a long day, putting on a song that has the waltz feel is one of the most satisfying things you can do with a guitar.