Triplets are groups of 3 notes. They are used in many different forms of drumming, whether constructing drum fills, solos or grooves. In this article we’re going to look at using triplets to construct a groove.
Andy Burt gives us an introduction to triplets and how to count, play and apply them in a groove context.
The Triplet Feel
Sometimes referred to as 6:8 or 12:8 Blues, or even the 6 Beat, there are a few different ways that you can count out this beat. It is used in all types of music but originates as a Blues beat with a ‘slow blues’ feel.
The Ride Line is where the triplets are played, keeping track with a simple unique count with ‘Trip’ and ‘Let’ voiced between each number as below:
” 1 – Trip – Let – 2 – Trip – Let – 3 –Trip – Let – 4 – Trip – Let “
How to build the triplet groove
Stick in hand, hit your practise pad in time whilst counting aloud the part written above (“1 – Trip – Let” – etc). Play all the notes using one hand only. Use your strongest hand – I use my right hand.
1 T L 2 T L 3 T L 4 T L is a simplified way to write down the part we’re counting out. This becomes the triplet Ride Line, making 12 hits counted as four triplets.
Again, on the pad play the Triplets with your chosen hand – and count out loud.
Add your other hand for hits on 2 and 4, as below:
Make sure both hands play the notes together on 2 and 4, no flamming! This is called playing in unison.
The left hand strokes create the Snare Drum part called the Back-Beat.
Keep counting and playing the rest of the triplets to make up the ride line. Be sure none are missed out or extra being played and rotate it around throughout 4-Trip-Let and back around to the 1.
When you feel that your hands are comfortable with the motions, begin to introduce the Bass Drum Foot.
Start by stomping the numbers 1 and 3 here. No “trip”s or “let”s! Leave those to the hand assigned to the Ride Line and resist stomping the foot as you count 2 and 4.
Take each triplet one at a time as you build the co-ordination.
(1)Foot – Trip – Let
(2)Snare – Trip – Let
Snare is the unison hit with both hands.
Foot should be in unison with the original hand playing the Triplets.
Repeat through the count of 3 and 4.
When that comes together and your hands and feet are working in order, transfer it to the drum kit.
In the chart below, from left to right the X’s represent the Hi-Hat or Ride cymbal consisting of all the triplets and make up the ride line. The unisons are displayed under each number.
This is a bar of sight reading in a very simple form, no stave, tails, beams or rests just dots for hits on Drums and crosses for Cymbal hits. Refer to the count displayed along the top.
Practise landing the hits and unisons in order and repeat without pausing.
Start listening to the overall sound, especially when you no longer have to count the triplets and the sequence becomes memorable. Make sure you are playing steadily and not rushing any part of the sequence, landing the hits evenly not playing some stronger than others. Loosen up if necessary and groove!
Songs with Triplet-based Grooves
Here is a list of reference material for you to practise along to – it’s the best way to familiarise yourself with the triplet feel. Download or stream some of these songs and jam along with your new triplet groove skills!
- We are the Champions (Queen),
- Everybody Hurts (REM),
- Unchained Melody (Everly Brothers),
- Hoochie Coochie Man (Muddy Waters),
- Nothing Else Matters (Metallica),
- Crying (Aerosmith),
- Cry me out (Pixie Lott),
- House of the Rising Sun (The Animals)
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Im a beginner- this is so helpful for practice- going to surprise my tutor