Rhythm Notation
The following example uses rhythm notation, which shows the chord symbols and the rhythm to be played but uses an angled line instead of a notehead. There are several different ways of strumming triplets. Each of them is useful in particular musical situations. The most common way is to use all downstrokes of the pick. Try this method with the following example. Triplets are only dealt with briefly here, for a more detailed study of trilets, see Progressive Blues Rhythm Guitar Technique.
Once you can play this example evenly, try using alternate strumming. This means that beats 2 and 4 will begin with an upstroke. To be sure you keep the correct thythm, count out loud as you play and tap your foot on each beat.
Another useful strumming technique for triplets is to use an upstrike on the middle part of the triplet only. This means you will play each new beat with a downstroke. Once again, tap your foot on each beat and count out loud as you play.
