The Sixteenth Note Triplet
Triplets can be created on any note value. A sixteenth note triplet is three sixteenth notes played evenly across the space usually taken by two sixteenth notes. This means that the triplet grouping lasts for the same duration as an eighth note. It is common for two sixteenth note triplets to occur together as a group of six notes across one quarter note beat.
The following example demonstrates sixteenth note triplets on the snare drum. As with previous note values, practice it with your metronome and be sure to keep your notes even. Use alternate sticking starting with either hand and then play the example again and reverse the sticking. To count a sixteenth note triplet, say ta ka ta, for two across a beat, say ta ka ta ta ka ta.
Once you can play the previous example, try playing some fills using sixteenth note triplets as shown here.
