What makes playing triplets challenging? And how can we get better at playing them?
A triplet in music is usually three notes of equal duration that are played in the space of two notes of the same rhythmic value.
Counting triplets can be challenging, especially for students. We’ve all been in rehearsals with someone helpfully shouting “Tri-puh-let tri-puh-let!’ as we play, and it doesn’t always help.
For string players, however, the challenges don’t stop there. Playing groups of three, six, or nine notes can also be difficult because of the uneven bowing patterns that show up. So what can help?
Why are they so hard?
4 Reasons Triplets are Harder Than Other Note Patterns
- They create uneven bowing patterns. The same group of notes will start on a down-bow the first time, and then an up-bow.
- They create challenging string crossings. Going from a lower string to a higher string, and then switching rapidly to go from a higher to lower string makes it harder to get a smooth bow sound.
- Trying to stick to a triplet rhythm while other players are playing a duplet rhythm at the same time can be a real brain-twister!
- Introducing an odd number of notes makes it hard to keep a steady beat, even with a metronome. You might find yourself asking “but how fast are those notes exactly?”
How to get better at playing triplets:
- Practice the bowing patterns on open strings before adding the left hand notes.
- Play with a metronome, alternating duplets and triplets on repeated open strings to establish the speed in your mind.
- Play in the middle of the bow or in the upper half.
- Try using less bow per note, and add a pulse on the downbeats. This helps your mind keep track of where you are in the pattern.
- Put some extra bowings in to help you keep track of up bows and down bows.
Some fun ways to warm up with triplets:
- Start with open strings, alternating slow and fast. Aim for a relaxed wrist to help with smooth string crossings.
- Play a 6/8 or 9/8 movement from one of our Baroque friends, like this lively Vivaldi Concerto Alla Rustica.
- Explore an Irish slip jig, like this free version of The Kid of the Mountain.
Make playing triplets a part of your regular routine!
Enjoy the lively, dance-like quality of music in 6/8, 9/8 and 12/8. Get used to some fun and challenging bow patterns with this free Irish slip jig. Furthermore, you’ll find playing groups of three notes is actually fun!
