Triplet Exercise for Drum Set

Triplets are a staple in many musical styles, especially in jazz, funk, and rock. They add rhythmic complexity, fluidity, and a unique feel to drumming. The attached PDF provides a detailed exercise designed to help drummers switch seamlessly between eighth notes and triplets, move triplets around the drum set, and incorporate sextuplet fills within a simple beat. This article will break down the exercise and offer tips on how to master each section. If you feel comfortable reading sheet music, dive into the PDF and start playing! Also, here’s my article on drum notation if you need it.

Check out my Free Sheet Music Library for more exercises and concepts!

1. Switching Between Eighth Notes and Triplets on the Hi-Hat

The first part (the first and second measures) of the exercise focuses on alternating between eighth notes and triplets on the hi-hat. This switch introduces a rhythmic contrast that challenges your internal sense of time and beat subdivision. While eighth notes evenly divide each beat into two parts, triplets split each beat into three equal parts, creating a flowing, syncopated feel.

How to Practice:

• Begin by playing a basic groove with steady eighth notes on the hi-hat.
• After a few measures, switch to triplets, maintaining the same groove with the snare and bass drum.
• Focus on maintaining a steady tempo as you alternate between the two subdivisions.
• Once this feels natural, continue to playing the rest of the exercise!

2. Moving Triplets Around the Drum Set

Next, we introduce a triplet fill that moves around the drum set. Playing triplets across different drums adds a melodic layer to your fills, and it’s a great way to explore new textures. This part of the exercise is designed to help you gain fluidity in moving around the drum kit while maintaining the triplet rhythm.

How to Practice:

• Begin by playing triplets on the snare drum for a few bars.
• Gradually move the triplets to different toms, cymbals, or other drums in your kit. Try different combinations to see how each sound complements the triplet feel.
• Focus on even spacing between each stroke, regardless of where you’re playing on the drum set.

Tips:

• Don’t rush through the fill; let the triplet rhythm guide your movement.
• Practice with different stickings (e.g., RLR LRL or RLL RRL) to find what feels most comfortable for you.

3. Sextuplet Fill

The final section of the exercise introduces a sextuplet fill. Sextuplets divide each beat into six equal notes, essentially functioning like two sets of triplets per beat. This can add a fast, smooth rolling effect when used as a fill.

Tips:

• Start by playing the sextuplets slowly and gradually build up speed. The challenge is maintaining control while keeping the notes evenly spaced.
• Focus on the transition between the groove and the fill to ensure a smooth flow.

Combining the Concepts

Once you’ve practiced each section separately, try combining them and reading through the entire exercise. This exercise will not only enhance your rhythmic control but also improve your ability to create dynamic fills that feel natural within a groove.

Conclusion

Triplets and sextuplets bring an entirely new rhythmic dimension to your drumming. This exercise provides a structured way to practice switching between different subdivisions, moving around the drum set with triplets, and using sextuplets to create engaging fills. As you work through the PDF, take your time with each section and focus on mastering the transitions. With patience and consistent practice, you’ll develop more confidence in your ability to play complex rhythms and fill patterns. Happy practicing!