TIME SIGNATURES & COUNTING
Time Signatures for Guitar Practice: 4/4, 3/4, 6/8 and More
The top number tells you how beats are grouped; the lower number tells you which written note represents the beat unit.
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Start with 4/4 and 3/4
In 4/4, count four quarter-note beats: 1 2 3 4, often accenting beat 1. In 3/4, count 1 2 3 with a repeating three-beat shape. Eighth-note subdivisions can be counted 1-and-2-and so the hand keeps moving evenly between clicks.
- 4/4 · four quarter-note beats
- 3/4 · three quarter-note beats
- Eighth notes · count numbers and ands
Feel 6/8 as two large beats
Although 6/8 contains six written eighth notes, it is commonly felt as two dotted-quarter pulses: ONE-two-three FOUR-five-six. Set six beats with accents on 1 and 4 for detailed work, or use two main clicks with triplet subdivision when the larger motion is secure.
- 6/8 · two groups of three
- Accent written beats 1 and 4
- Move from six clicks to two pulses
One app for the full practice flow
Tune first. Keep time. Find the next chord.
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Common questions
01What does the bottom number mean?＋
It identifies the written note value used as the unit: 4 means quarter note and 8 means eighth note.
02Is 6/8 the same as 3/4?＋
Both contain six eighth notes, but 6/8 usually groups them as two sets of three while 3/4 groups three sets of two.
03Where should the metronome accent go?＋
Begin with the first beat of each bar, then add structural accents such as beats 1 and 4 in 6/8.