How to Read Music – Lesson 19 – Triplets and Duplets




One Minute Music Lesson with Leon Harrell show

Summary: Triplets are 3 notes that fit in the same rhythmic space as 2 of the same notational value. Triplets are used in simple meters when we need to show a rhythmic value that would normally be found in compound meter. A triplet will have 3 of the note value with a number 3 above or below to represent that it is a triplet. The most common triplet is the eighth note triplet. To count triplets we will use the compound counting method from Lesson 18, of using the syllable LA and LI on the second and third parts of the beat. Duplets are 2 notes that fit in the same rhythmic space as 3 of the same notational value. Duplets are used in compound meters when we need to show a rhythmic value that would normally be found in simple meter. A duplet will have 2 of the note value with a number 2 above or below to represent that it is a duplet. The most common duplet is the eighth note duplet, often found in 6/8 time. To count duplets we will use the simple meter counting method from Lesson 17, of using the syllable "AND" on the second half of the beat. If you liked this lesson don't forget to sign-up for the free One Minute Music Lesson newsletter. With your subscription you will also receive a free copy of the eBook "How to Read Music" by Leon Harrell.