Triplet Rhythms
A triplet rhythm is created by strumming three evenly spaced strums per beat (a total of twelve strums per bar). The first of each three strums must be played slightly stronger or louder than the other two strums within a beat. This is best achieved by using a long strum (striking all the strings of a chord) on each beat of the bar, and using a short strum (middle two or three strings only) on the other strums. This is represented next using big and small strumming symbols. The rhythm is counted 1 and ah 2 and ah 3 and ah 4 and ah, written as 1 + a, 2 + a, 3 + a, 4 + a.
Play the following rhythm pattern holding an E7 chord.
Rhythm Pattern
Apply the triplet rhythm to the following 12 Bar Blues progression in E.
Rhythm Pattern
It will be essential to be familiar with some triplet rhythm variations. The following example uses a rhythm counted as 1, 2 and ah, 3 and ah, 4. This time the key of G is used.
Rhythm Pattern
The next example is another triplet variation over an 8 bar Blues progression.
Rhythm Pattern
Example 17 features chord changes every 2 beats (a total of six strums to a chord).
Rhythm Pattern
It is also common to miss the middle strum within a triplet group. The next example uses a rhythm counted as "1 ... ah, 2 ... ah, 3 ... ah, 4 ... ah".
Bars 11 and 12 introduces a popular ending to a 12 Bar Blues progression.
Rhythm Pattern
