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Triplets

Solo playing is not something that magically happens at some point, you do not get inspired, wave your hands and wow, this cool solo just comes out... No, solo playing is the result of doing your homework, practicing,and lots of trial and error!

Once you are more comfortable with playing traditional solo's and solo's built out of predefined patterns, you can try to move to more free-form solo's. One of the basic techniques for solo playing is the triplet.

Triplets
A triplet is when you play three notes of exactly the same duration, where you would normally play two or 4 notes. The effect of a triplet is to create more flow in the music, to create the impression of slowing down, of relaxation, of ease. Also, since some of the triplet notes are out of sync with the rhythm, you will be heard better as a solo player. Below are a number of examples to study.

First a very slow example. What would be a roll on the tones, one-and-two-rest in the first measure, is slowed down, slurred you might say, into a triplet in the 5th measure. Listen very carefully to the sound file so you become familiar with the difference between both options.

Note: If you see things like 4b.tt4..s. then you must install the Yankadi font in order to see the music!

Next, the exact same rhythm at normal speed. The difference has become very small due to the speed increase, but it is definitely still audibleas a different feel in the rhythm.

Next, a dance phrase from the N'Goron. Simple and slow triplets, easy torecognise and to study:

And finally an example from a rhythm called Cordoba. This is complicated, since it combines what almost sounds like a triplet but isn't, the flams in the first two measures, with rolls and true triplets, all in one phrase.

Study ideas
Triplets can be used to add extra speed. For example in an echauffement you can switch from the fast normal notes to slightly slower triplets and then add some more speed whilst giving the dancers the impression the music is more relaxed.

Triplets can also be used to switch over from a faster 4/4 rhythm to a slower swinging 6/8 rhythm. For example by changing over during the echauffement as outlined above and giving a 6/8 call, and continuing with the Soli for example.

Triplets can be used to good effect on many occasions. Go to the basic rhythms page and select a rhythm, and see if you can insert a triplet somewhere. Practice it, and feel what the rhythm feels like. It is a good idea to have a few of these phrases handy, as part of your "alphabet" of phrases. But don't overdo it. Many rhythmic ideas remain novel and interesting exactly because they are used sparingly!