Exploring Triplets

Next, we'll have a look at triplets. We use triplets when we need to fit three notes evenly into one count.

Sound Illustrations

To illustrate this, I'm going to show you what it sounds like to play quarter notes, then eighth notes, and then triplets along to a steady beat.

• Quarter Note:

  • Sounds like: 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1.

• Eighth Note:

  • Sounds like: 1 and 1 and 1 and 1, 1 and 1 and 1 and 1.

• Triplet:

  • Sounds like: Triple it. Triple it. Triple it. Triple it. Triple it. Triple it.

Practicing with a Metronome

Let's have a look at what this would be like in an example. We'll try this first example along to a metronome to help us keep that steady beat.

After four:

• 1, 2, 3, a four.
• 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and
• 1 and 2 and 3 and a four and
• 1 and 2 and 3 and 4.

Feel free to pause the video here and practice this on your own. Take it as slow as you need to, and then build back up the tempo as you gain confidence.

Next Example

Let's look at the next example. Once again, we'll try it with the metronome to keep a steady beat.

After four:

• 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and
• 1 and a 2 and 3 and 4 and
• 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and
• 1, a 2 and 3 and 4.

And once again, take a pause here. Practice it on your own as slowly as you need to, and then build back up the tempo as you get better and better.