{"id":24613,"date":"2017-09-01T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-01T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/classicalguitarshed.foureyes.com\/?p=24613"},"modified":"2025-03-14T00:40:19","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T07:40:19","slug":"triplets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/triplets\/","title":{"rendered":"All About Triplets &#8211; How to Count and Play Triplet Rhythms"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p>Playing triplets in music is like riding a bicycle. Until we get the feel for it, they\u2019re awkward and difficult.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Then, once they \u201cclick\u201d, it\u2019s a joyride.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The question is: <a href=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/fix-rhythm-problems-in-classical-guitar-pieces\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">how can we get them to \u201cclick\u201d?<\/a> How and what do we practice so we play triplets expressively and musically?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>But first, what is a triplet?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"centerc\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8m9ma931FKU?rel=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;autohide=1\" width=\"700\" height=\"393\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\">\r\n<h2>Table of contents<\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-what-is-a-triplet\" data-level=\"2\">What is a Triplet?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-how-to-count-triplet-rhythms\" data-level=\"2\">How to Count Triplet Rhythms<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-use-your-mouth-it-helps\" data-level=\"3\">Use Your Mouth (It Helps.)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-rule-1-triplets-are-even\" data-level=\"2\">Rule #1: Triplets Are Even<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-tip-include-the-next-downbeat-think-4-not-3\" data-level=\"3\">Tip: Include the Next Downbeat (think 4, not 3)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-the-most-common-mistake-playing-triplets\" data-level=\"2\">The Most Common Mistake Playing Triplets<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-the-most-important-note-in-a-triplet\" data-level=\"2\">The Most Important Note in a Triplet<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-when-in-doubt-stretch-em-out\" data-level=\"2\">When in Doubt, Stretch \u2019Em Out<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-how-to-practice-triplets\" data-level=\"2\">How to Practice Triplets<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-triplets-against-quarters\" data-level=\"3\">Triplets Against Quarters<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-triplets-against-eighths\" data-level=\"3\">Triplets Against Eighths<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-triplets-against-sixteenths\" data-level=\"3\">Triplets Against Sixteenths<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-quarter-note-triplets\" data-level=\"3\">Quarter Note Triplets<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-half-note-triplets\" data-level=\"3\">Half Note Triplets<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-start-small\" data-level=\"2\">Start Small<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-a-triplet\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: center;\">What is a Triplet?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>A triplet is a type of \u201ctuplet\u201d. And a \u201ctuplet\u201d involves splitting a beat into any number of equal parts. (We call these equal parts \u201csubdivisions\u201d.)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>For instance, a sixteenth note (semiquaver) splits a beat into 4 equal parts (subdivisions). An eighth note (quaver) splits a beat into two equal parts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Triplets split a beat into three equal parts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-24681 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\">\r\n<div id=\"attachment_24681\" style=\"width: 210px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24681\" class=\"wp-image-24681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/triplets-6.jpg\" alt=\"rhythm for music\" width=\"200\" height=\"64\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-24681\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Eighths = One quarter note beat divided in two<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-24682 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\">\r\n<div id=\"attachment_24682\" style=\"width: 210px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24682\" class=\"wp-image-24682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/triplets-7.jpg\" alt=\"triplet rhythms\" width=\"200\" height=\"63\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-24682\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Triplet = One quarter note beat divided into three<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>We may also encounter other, less common, tuplets, such as quintuplets (5), sextuplets (6), and so on.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Note: Eighth note triplets are the most common, and what we\u2019ll be focusing on here. We also discuss other triplets toward the end of the article.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-how-to-count-triplet-rhythms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: center;\">How to Count Triplet Rhythms<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/clap-count-rhythm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">It\u2019s helpful to count aloud<\/a> when we\u2019re learning a new piece, or figuring out a rhythm.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>To count triplets, we can use a method of saying syllables.\u00a0 We can use either of two common counting methods:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>Tri-p-let, Tri-p-let<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>One-trip-let, Two-trip-let<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"75\" class=\"wp-image-24694 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/triplets-15.jpg\" alt=\"triplet music rhythm\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"75\" class=\"wp-image-24693 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/triplets-14.jpg\" alt=\"count triplets in music\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Whichever way it&#8217;s counted, either will work if you want to count the eighth note triplet. The second has the benefit of naming the beat within the measure. This can help in learning and memorization.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-use-your-mouth-it-helps\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use Your Mouth (It Helps)<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>While it may take some getting used to, counting note values aloud is a powerful tool in practice.\u00a0 Rhythm and pulse are the glue that holds music together.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Unless we know what we\u2019re doing, we can\u2019t <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/solving-problems-polish-troubleshoot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">say the words<\/a> aloud in rhythm. When we clap and count a rhythm, we must know exactly where we are within the measure. And we must know where each note fits in relation to the others.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>When we count silently to ourselves, we often \u201ccheat\u201d. We&#8217;re not clear about where the syllables fall.\u00a0 When we become confused we stop counting, often without realizing it. We think we know the rhythm, but we don\u2019t.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>For more on counting aloud, take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/metronome\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">free 14-day metronome course<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"centerc\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/E4w2nbxe7wc?rel=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;autohide=1\" width=\"700\" height=\"393\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-rule-1-triplets-are-even\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Rule #1: Triplets Are Even<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Rule #1 when playing triplets is this: Triplets are even. This means they are of equal length.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Further below, we\u2019ll examine some of the most common mistakes when playing triplets. Most mistakes playing triplets involve breaking this rule in some way.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-tip-include-the-next-downbeat-think-4-not-3\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip: Include the Next Downbeat (think 4, not 3)<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>When we count and play triplets, it\u2019s helpful to include the next downbeat (the next note after the triplet beat).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Instead of thinking of the triplet as three notes, and then the next note, we can instead include the next note. This makes four notes, not three.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-24687 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\">\r\n<div id=\"attachment_24687\" style=\"width: 210px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24687\" class=\"wp-image-24687\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/triplets-12.jpg\" alt=\"triplet mistake\" width=\"200\" height=\"75\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-24687\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A common mistake is to pause between the last note of the triplet and the next downbeat.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-24688\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\">\r\n<div id=\"attachment_24688\" style=\"width: 210px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24688\" class=\"wp-image-24688\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/triplets-13.jpg\" alt=\"group triplets with the next downbeat\" width=\"200\" height=\"74\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-24688\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Think 4 equal notes, with no pause before the 4th.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>When we <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/cross-bar-line\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">think \u201cforward\u201d<\/a> in this way, we more clearly demonstrate where the music is going. Short notes usually lead to long notes. So the notes of the triplet \u201cwant\u201d to arrive at the downbeat (the note at the beginning of the beat or measure).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>As a result, both we and listeners more clearly understand the music. It feels more \u201cright\u201d that way.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h6 id=\"h-related-strong-beats-and-weak-beats\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/strong-weak-beats-music-guitar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Related: Strong Beats and Weak Beats<\/a><\/h6>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-the-most-common-mistake-playing-triplets\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: center;\">The Most Common Mistake Playing Triplets<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The most common mistakes when playing triplets involve transforming the triplet rhythm into a sixteenth note rhythm.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Instead of three equal subdivisions, we get something like:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"63\" class=\"wp-image-24686 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/triplets-11.jpg\" alt=\"triplets counting\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"63\" class=\"wp-image-24685 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/triplets-10.jpg\" alt=\"triplet mistakes \" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"63\" class=\"wp-image-24684 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/triplets-9.jpg\" alt=\"triplet mistakes\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"63\" class=\"wp-image-24683 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/triplets-8.jpg\" alt=\"common triplet errors\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-the-most-important-note-in-a-triplet\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: center;\">The Most Important Note in a Triplet<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>One note of the triplet has a larger role in communicating the rhythm than the others.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The downbeat (the note at the beginning of the beat) is in the same place regardless of whether we\u2019re playing a quarter note (crotchet), eighth notes (quaver), sixteenth notes (semiquaver), or triplets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>It\u2019s on the second note of the group that the listener recognizes we&#8217;re playing a triplet.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>So the placement of the second note of the triplet is the most crucial. When this note is placed with precision, we (listeners) know that the beat will be divided into three.<\/p>\r\n<h3>The placement of the second note of the triplet is the most crucial<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If this second note is placed slightly off the 1\/3 mark, the rhythm will too closely resemble a sixteenth note rhythm.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>That said, if we\u2019re not sure exactly where to place it, there\u2019s a trick we can use\u2026.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-when-in-doubt-stretch-em-out\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: center;\">When in Doubt, Stretch \u2019Em Out<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>It\u2019s better to stretch triplets out (make each subdivision too large, though still equal) than to compress them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>When we play triplets too fast, we either change the rhythm to example A above, or we get to the next downbeat too soon. This makes the music sound rushed (because it is).<\/p>\r\n<h3>It&#8217;s better to stretch triplets out than to compress them<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>As blasphemous as it sounds, it\u2019s often more important to communicate the idea of the triplet (a rhythm that \u201cfloats\u201d over the 16th note pulse) than it is to be metronomic (in strict time).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Rhythm (once mastered) can be used as an expressive device. This means that we can play more to the intention of the music (the expression) than the \u201cletter of the law\u201d (the metronome).<\/p>\r\n<p>To do this well, we must first be able to count and play in precise time. Otherwise, it\u2019s mayhem, and will likely come out schmaltzy, or just weird.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>So practice triplets with precision, but when in doubt, stretch them out. It may not be \u201cright\u201d, but it may be less wrong.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-how-to-practice-triplets\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: center;\">How to Practice Triplets<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>So how do we master the triplet? What should we practice so we can play triplets with confidence and drive?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Triplets always exist within a context. But a piece could be all triplets.\u00a0 Some well-known pieces, like <a href=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/sm-spanish-romance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Spanish Romance<\/a>, are like this.\u00a0 If so, once you start the ball rolling, it\u2019s easy to continue.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Other classical guitar pieces use the half note (minim), quarter notes (crotchet), eighth notes (quaver), and sixteenth notes (semiquavers) as well as triplets.\u00a0 Here, we must play the triplet alongside one of those three other subdivisions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>So to master triplets, we need to master changing from each of these three subdivisions to triplets and back.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h6 id=\"h-if-you-re-logged-in-click-here-to-get-the-practice-packet-woodshed-members-see-the-bonus-videos-in-the-woodshed-library\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">[<a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/triplets-bonus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">If you&#8217;re logged in, Click Here to get the practice packet.<\/a>]Woodshed Members see the bonus videos in the Woodshed Library.<\/h6>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-triplets-against-quarters\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Triplets Against Quarters<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The first step in mastering triplets is to gain confidence going from the quarter note (crochet) to triplets and back again.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>At this stage, count triplets when playing the quarter notes (just clap on the downbeat, but continue to count triplets throughout the beat). This way, we can \u201cdrop-in\u201d the triplets when we come to them. This means we\u2019re not pulling the triplets \u201cout of thin air\u201d, but placing them in the right place.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Many metronomes offer the option of clicking on triplets. This feature may be helpful at first.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-24606 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\">\r\n<div id=\"attachment_24606\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24606\" class=\"wp-image-24606\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/triplets-sheet-1.jpg\" alt=\"alternate triplet and quarter notes\" width=\"700\" height=\"85\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/triplets-sheet-1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/triplets-sheet-1-300x36.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-24606\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alternate between triplets and quarter notes.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-triplets-against-eighths\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Triplets Against Eighths<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>After we master triplets and the quarter note, we can move to triplets and the eighth note.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>This is where a metronome set to the quarter note is recommended. Otherwise, we don\u2019t get the feedback we need to make corrections.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-24607\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\">\r\n<div id=\"attachment_24607\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24607\" class=\"wp-image-24607\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/triplets-sheet-2.jpg\" alt=\"triplets and eighths\" width=\"700\" height=\"82\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/triplets-sheet-2.jpg 700w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/triplets-sheet-2-300x35.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-24607\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Once you&#8217;ve mastered triplets and quarter notes, add in eighth notes.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Tip: alternate between quarters and eighth notes, and quarters and triplets. When that\u2019s comfortable, alternate between eighth notes and triplets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-triplets-against-sixteenths\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Triplets Against Sixteenths<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Remember, eighth note triplets last longer than sixteenth notes. Up until now, triplets \u201csped up\u201d the music. Now, each note lasts longer than the sixteenth, so the rhythm slows.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>We can now build on our work with eighth notes and triplets to add in the sixteenth note.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-24608\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\">\r\n<div id=\"attachment_24608\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24608\" class=\"wp-image-24608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/triplets-sheet-3.jpg\" alt=\"triplets and sixteenths\" width=\"700\" height=\"82\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/triplets-sheet-3.jpg 700w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/triplets-sheet-3-300x35.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-24608\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Then we can work on playing triplets alongside sixteenths as well.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"centerc\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dRAFbIf4qTM?rel=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;autohide=1\" width=\"700\" height=\"393\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-quarter-note-triplets\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quarter Note Triplets<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Note: if you\u2019re completely new to triplets, save these (and the following Half Note Triplet) for later. Spend your time on the triplet rhythms above, and come back later to the quarter note triplet.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>While most triplets are eighth note triplets (1 beat subdivided into 3 equal parts), we also have other forms of triplets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Just as three 8th note triplets take the time of two regular eighth notes, three quarter note triplets take the time of two regular quarter notes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>To play the quarter note triplets with precision, first, subdivide the quarters into eighth note triplets. Then play every second note. See the accents below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-24609\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\">\r\n<div id=\"attachment_24609\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24609\" class=\"wp-image-24609\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/triplets-sheet-4.jpg\" alt=\"quarter note triplets\" width=\"700\" height=\"105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/triplets-sheet-4.jpg 700w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/triplets-sheet-4-300x45.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-24609\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Don&#8217;t guess: know the math and subdivide.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-half-note-triplets\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Half Note Triplets<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>In the same fashion as above, three half-note triplets happen in the space of two regular half notes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>And we can use the same method as above to find the exact placement of each note.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-24610\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\">\r\n<div id=\"attachment_24610\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24610\" class=\"wp-image-24610\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/triplets-sheet-5.jpg\" alt=\"half note triplets\" width=\"700\" height=\"110\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/triplets-sheet-5.jpg 700w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/triplets-sheet-5-300x47.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-24610\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Practice slowly, then speed up.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Note: When first figuring out these types of complex rhythms in a piece of music, we may have to play extremely <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/slow-practice-classical-guitar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">slowly<\/a>. That\u2019s fine and is all part of the job. Speed creates the illusion of perfection, so keep it slow until you know.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-start-small\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Start Small<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Some players find triplets daunting at first. That&#8217;s not necessarily a bad thing, because it means we take care to get them right.\u00a0 With time and attention, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/8-common-rhythms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">they become just another rhythm like the half note and the quarter note<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p>Eventually, we&#8217;ll be able to play triplets and common rhythms on different strings at the same time.\u00a0 This is called a <a href=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/metronome\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">polyrhythm<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, we can \u201cbaby-step\u201d into triplets by playing a piece that only has one or two triplet rhythms. That way, we can focus on a specific musical problem.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>At the same time, any work we do on triplets as a study unto themselves is an investment in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/musical-expression-guitar-phrasing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">good music-making<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Playing triplets in music is like riding a bicycle. Until we get the feel for it, they\u2019re awkward and difficult. Then, once they \u201cclick\u201d, it\u2019s a joyride. The question is: how can we get them to \u201cclick\u201d? How and what do we practice so we play triplets expressively and musically? But first, what is a triplet? What is a Triplet? &#8230; <\/p>\n<div><a href=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/triplets\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24712,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[61,434,3],"tags":[351,349],"class_list":["post-24613","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-main-content-parent","category-phrasing","tag-rhythm","tag-theory"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.8 (Yoast SEO v25.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How Do I Count Triplets? Play them with ease<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to count Triplets in your music. Includes tips on counting and different rhythms. 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