Basic Music Theory: How to Read, Write, and Understand Written Music

(Barré) #1
17: Triplets!


  1. How long is a sixteenth note triplet?

  2. What is the count for a measure of sixteenth note
    triplets in 2/4 time?

  3. Where is your foot positioned on “+” part of the
    beat?

  4. How long is a quarter note triplet?

  5. How long is each note in the quarter note triplet?

  6. On which part of the foot tap does the 2nd note of
    the quarter note triplet fall?

  7. On which part of the foot tap does the 3rd note of
    the quarter note triplet fall?

  8. Ask a teacher or musician to demonstrate quarter
    note triplets to you.
    3. 1/2 beat
    4. 1 la li + la li
    2 la li + la li
    5. Up
    6. Two beats
    7. 2/3 beat
    8. Just after the “+”
    of the first tap.
    9. Just after the
    second tap.


Practical Use



  1. In any clef write out three measures of 4/4 time using all the triplet figures you’ve
    learned. Write in the count underneath them.

  2. Play or sing what you’ve written. If it is too difficult, simplify it as much as
    possible until you can sing or play it.

  3. Have someone demonstrate quarter note triplets for you. Imitate what you hear.

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