I have been involved in IrishTrad music for over twenty years. Guitar is not my main instrument for trad.
I teach the bodhran (the Irish drum) at the Irish Fest School of Music.
I find that it is easier for students to understand 6/8 by use of a phrase rather than counting. The accents are on the one and four. ie.
SEE - the - hi -BER - ni - an
EL- e - gant - EL - e - phant
BOT -tle - of - JA - mes - on
This has worked well for me. Students seem to grasp the feel of this time signature more easily. By repeating any of these phrases out loud or in their heads, the feel or pulse (two) becomes apparent.
As to the purpose... Irish Traditional Music is dance music, first. The Jig being a major part of it.
I hope that helps.
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