How to count triplets ("1 trip let")
A triplet fits three notes into the time of two. The most common one, the eighth-note triplet, puts three even notes on one beat, where two eighth notes would normally go. It is written with a small "3" above the notes and counted "1 trip let".
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Triplets with rests
The tricky part is triplets with rests. Keep counting all three syllables and play only where there is a note:
| Figure | Counted | Played on |
|---|---|---|
| x x x | 1 trip let | all three |
| x – x | 1 – let | 1, let (the shuffle) |
| – – x | – – let | let |
| x x – | 1 trip – | 1, trip |
| – x x | – trip let | trip, let |
| – x – | – trip – | trip |
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Quarter-note triplets
A quarter-note triplet spreads three notes over two beats. Count eighth-note triplets and play on every second syllable: "1 trip let 2 trip let".
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Practice
▶ Random triplet exercises (level 2)
▶ All triplet figures (level 5)
Switching between triplets and sixteenths is the next step; see triplet exercises.
FAQ
What is the difference between triplets and swing?
Swing plays written straight eighths with a long-short feel. At 66% swing, a pair of eighths sounds like the shuffle figure "1 – let". See swing.
Are triplets the same as 12/8?
Close. A 4/4 measure of eighth-note triplets sounds like a 12/8 measure of eighths; 12/8 is simply written without the triplet brackets.