Wiki Page, Instrumental Music - II: All About Triplets - IV

Wiki Page
2022-06-28T10:04:30-06:00

How to Count Triplets

*When you're just starting out as a musician, a triplet can feel like an irrational rhythm, especially when set against a simple meter like 3/4 or 4/4. To make the process feel natural, consider counting the notes as you play.

*Begin by counting an ordinary eighth note pulse as "one-and-two-and-three-and-four-and." Then, use similar language to count the three pulses of a triplet by saying "tri-pa-let" as you play—for instance, "one-and-two-and-tri-pa-let-four-and." You can also count a triplet beat by including the number of the beat—for instance, “one-and-two-trip-let-three-and-four and.” With practice, you'll begin to naturally "hear" the sound of triplets in your head, and you'll be able to play them fluidly without mouthing syllables.