Understanding Triplet Rhythms
In a bar of triplets in * time, there are 12 different positions for notes within the bar. The first beat is 1, the middle note of the first triplet is called the "trip of one" and the third note of the first triplet is called the "let of one".
The system then continues through the bar – 2, trip of 2, let of 2, etc. It is worth practicing playing notes or chords on each of these positions until you can do them at will. Here are some rhythm exercises using triplets. Count them carefully, as there could be either a note or a rest on any part of each triplet. There are three common ways of strumming triplets – all downstrokes, alternate strumming, and playing each new beat with a downstroke (down up down, down up down, etc.). It is important to practice the following exercises with each of these strumming motions.
Quarter Note Triplets
Another triplet grouping is the quarter note triplet, which is three quarter notes played in the time of two. These may be difficult at first. Try working up to them by first using eighth note triplets, Then accent the parts of the beat where the quarter note triplets would fall and finally play the quarter note triplets on their own. Count only the beats in this example and try to feel where the notes fall.
This example contains both eighth note triplets and quarter note triplets.
