Time Signatures

[Tarser]

In 6/8 time, you naturally tap two dotted crotchets a bar, accenting the 1st and 4th beats. If you write out the same tune in 3/8, it seems to me to be exactly the same. You accent the first beat of the bar, as it's a waltz time, which is the same as accenting the dotted crotchets in 6/8. Why would you choose 6/8 over 3/8 ? Why also would you choose 3/8 instead of 3/4 ? There is no difference, except for the beaming of shorter note values. I've been a musician for years and never known the answer to this. I'd really love to know....Thanks

[saxy_jag]

I believe (don't quote me here) that 3/8, and certainly 6/8 have a different 'feel' to 3/4. 6/8 is more like two groups of three, e.g. 'ONE-and-a-TWO-and-a ...' (think 'Angel of Music' from Phantom of the Opera), whereas a waltz is more 'ONE-and-TWO-and-THREE-and ...' and in 3/8 you're looking at a slightly different 'ONE, two, three ...'.

Generally I don't question it. I just note the tempo, watch the conductor and get on with it and it usually comes out right in the end.