Triplet variations
Fit three melody notes into the time normally occupied by two.
By the end of this lessonReplace a two-note figure with an even triplet and land on the next beat.
Change the subdivision
In a simple-meter exercise, two eighth notes divide a quarter-note beat in half. An eighth-note triplet divides that same beat into three equal parts. The three notes have real rhythmic weight, unlike the fleeting cut and tap inside a roll.
Fill a melodic gap
Try G–A–B in the space previously occupied by G–B. Reverse it as B–A–G on the way down. The demonstration stretches one beat to make the two-versus-three spacing easy to hear, but both examples last exactly the same time.
Keep the surrounding pulse
Clap the beat before changing its subdivision. Three ordinary eighth notes in a jig already form a dotted-quarter beat; they are not automatically a triplet. Work in a simple meter first, then listen carefully to how a variation fits the tune you are playing.
Two, three, land
- Tap a slow, even beat. On each beat say “one-and”, then switch to three evenly spaced syllables, “trip-o-let”.
- Play G–B in one beat, then G–A–B in one beat. Follow each with a held G on the next beat to check your landing.
- Alternate the two versions four times. Slow the pulse if you have to squeeze the final B into place.
Two notes, then three
First hear two quarter notes. Then fit G–A–B evenly into the same two beats under the 3 bracket.
Practice
Tap a staff note or finger tab to hear a note and practise from there. The staff and tabs follow the same beat.
Hear it & follow the fingers
Synthesized examples on a high D whistle. Compare the sound, then study the movement below.
Movement breakdown
Read left to right. These diagrams show the order, not equal lengths of time.
- 1. G
- 2. A
- 3. B
Your self-check
My two-note and three-note versions arrive at the next beat together.
Take your time. You can revisit any lesson, completed or not.