Understanding Triplets
Triplets are a vital rhythmic element across all genres of music. Whether you play drums, piano, guitar, or any other instrument, understanding how to count and feel triplets is essential for developing rhythmic precision and musicality. This article, based on the attached PDF, will walk you through different types of triplets, starting with sixteenth note triplets and moving through eighth, quarter, and half note triplets. The examples are written using drum notation, but they can be applied to any instrument. If you feel comfortable reading sheet music, dive into the PDF and start playing!
Check out my Free Sheet Music Library for more exercises and concepts!
What Are Triplets?
At their core, triplets are a way of dividing a beat or note into three equal parts, rather than the standard division into two or four. They introduce a feeling of rhythmic flexibility and can be found in everything from jazz to classical music to modern rock. Triplets can appear in various note values—sixteenth notes, eighth notes, quarter notes, and even half notes—each of which creates a distinct rhythmic texture.
Sixteenth Note Triplets and Sextuplets
We begin with sixteenth note triplets. These divide a quarter note into six equal parts. This may seem complex at first, but with practice, you’ll find they flow naturally. In the PDF, you’ll see an explanation of how sextuplets are essentially the same as sixteenth note triplets, just without accents on every third note. This means that while they are notated differently, they are rhythmically identical.
How to Count Sixteenth Note Triplets:
When counting sixteenth note triplets, try thinking of each beat as divided into “1-trip-let-and-trip-let.” This creates a steady flow of six notes per beat, which is the key to mastering the feel of this subdivision.
Practice Tip:
Start slowly, using a metronome set at a low BPM. Gradually increase the speed as you become comfortable with the even spacing of the notes.
Eighth Note Triplets
Next, we move on to the eighth note triplets, one of the most common types of triplets. They divide a quarter note into three equal parts and are often used in jazz, blues, and many other genres to create a “swing” feel.
How to Count Eighth Note Triplets:
To count eighth note triplets, think “1-trip-let, 2-trip-let” or “1-and-a, 2-and-a.” This pattern fits nicely into most common time signatures, and many musicians find it easier to grasp than other triplet forms.
Quarter Note Triplets
Quarter note triplets divide two beats into three equal parts, meaning that each quarter note triplet lasts for two-thirds of a beat. This is where triplets start to challenge your rhythmic perception, as they stretch the beat more than eighth note triplets.
How to Count Quarter Note Triplets:
To count quarter note triplets, you can count eighth note triplets, but only play every other part of the triplets. You can see this in the PDF (the bold numbers/words in bold represent where the quarter note triplets are played): “1-trip-let, 2-trip-let, 3 trip-let, 4 trip-let.” In a 4/4 time signature, you can play two quarter note triplets in one measure.
Half Note Triplets
Finally, we have half note triplets, which divide four beats (a whole note) into three equal parts. These triplets are rare but powerful, creating a slow, dragging feel that can dramatically alter the flow of a piece of music.
How to Count Half Note Triplets:
For half note triplets, think of dividing a whole measure into three even parts. To count half note triplets, you can count eighth note triplets, but only play every fourth part of the triplets. You can see this in the PDF (the bold numbers/words in bold represent where the quarter note triplets are played): “1-trip-let, 2-trip-let, 3 trip-let, 4 trip-let. In a 4/4 measure, you can fit one half note triplet in a measure.
Understanding the Beat Placement
One of the trickiest parts of mastering triplets, especially quarter and half note triplets, is knowing where the beats fall in relation to simpler subdivisions like eighth notes. While eighth note triplets are easy to count within a single beat, the longer triplet values require careful attention to where each note lands in the measure. A good strategy is to start by playing eighth note triplets, then use that rhythmic foundation to feel how quarter note and half note triplets stretch out over more beats.
Tips for Mastering Triplets on Any Instrument
- Start Slow: Begin with a low BPM and gradually increase as you become more comfortable with the rhythmic feel.
- Use a Metronome: Set the metronome to subdivisions of the beat to help you internalize the spacing between triplets.
- Subdivide in Your Head: Even if you’re playing quarter or half note triplets, keep subdividing into eighth or sixteenth note triplets in your head to maintain a steady rhythm.
- Practice Each Type of Triplet: Don’t rush through the exercise. Spend time mastering each type of triplet (sixteenth, eighth, quarter, and half) to build a solid rhythmic foundation.
Conclusion
Understanding triplets is crucial for developing a sense of rhythmic flexibility and precision. Whether you’re playing sixteenth note triplets, eighth note triplets, or more complex quarter and half note triplets, the key is to practice consistently and start slowly. As you become comfortable with these rhythms, you’ll be able to apply triplets in any musical context, adding depth and variety to your playing. Use the attached PDF as a reference, and apply these concepts to your instrument, whether it’s drums, piano, guitar, or any other instrument. With time, triplets will feel natural. Happy practicing!
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