How to Count Quarter-Note Triplets: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Douglas Niedt

Copyright Douglas Niedt. All Rights Reserved.
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To count quarter-note triplets, divide each quarter note into three parts and count a steady 1-2-3-4-5-6, then pluck only on "1," "3," and "5" — the three notes you play are even quarter-note triplets. This step-by-step guide works through the method with notated examples, a five-step exercise with metronome at 60 bpm, and how to transfer the counting into a piece you are learning.

SUMMARY: HOW TO PLAY QUARTER-NOTE TRIPLETS

1. Assume we have two measures in 2/4 meter.
2. Measure #1 contains two quarter notes.
3. Measure #2 contains a quarter-note triplet.
4. In measure #1, divide each quarter note into three parts and count “1-2-3” for the first quarter note and “4-5-6” for the second quarter note. So, a steady “1-2-3-4-5-6.”
5. Finally, to play the quarter-note triplet in measure #2, continue counting 1-2-3-4-5-6 but pluck only on “1,” “3,” and “5.” The three notes you just played are even quarter-note triplets!

HERE IS THE PROCESS IN DETAIL TO LEARN TO PLAY QUARTER NOTE TRIPLETS

If we have quarter notes like the following in 2/4 time, we typically count them as: 1-&-2-& |1-&-2-&|. If we set a metronome, it would tick on numbers 1 and 2 (the red x’s). Example #1:

But instead of counting them in the usual way, 1-&-2-& /1-&-2-&, we will divide each quarter note into three parts counting 1-2-3-4-5-6. If we set a metronome, it will tick on numbers 1 and 4. Example #2:

Next, we will divide each quarter note into three equal notes which makes them 8th-note triplets. The metronome will tick on number 1 and number 4 (the red x’s). Example #3:

Therefore, we assign a number to each note of the triplet: 1-2-3-4-5-6. Set a metronome to 60 bpm. The metronome will tick on number 1 and number 4 (the red x’s in the example). Tap your right foot with the metronome and COUNTING OUT LOUD, play the 8th-note triplets:

Next, we practice alternating between quarter notes and 8th-note triplets, always counting 1-2-3-4-5-6. Again, the metronome ticks on number 1 and number 4 (the red x’s in the example). Tap your right foot with the metronome and COUNTING OUT LOUD, alternate playing a measure of quarter notes and a measure of 8th-note triplets. Example #5:

Finally, if we delete or don’t play notes 2, 4, and 6 in the 8th-note triplet measures, we are left with quarter-note triplets! Example #6:

PRACTICE THIS FIVE-STEP EXERCISE

To better understand how to count quarter-note triplets, practice this five-step exercise. As you practice each step:

• Play with a metronome at 60 bpm
• Count out loud
• Tap your right foot with the metronome.

Later, when you are comfortable with all five steps, omit counting, then omit foot tapping, and finally, omit the metronome.

Example #7:

How Do I Incorporate This Method of Counting Into The Piece I Am Working On?

1. Practice away from the piece first.
2. Learn the basics of counting quarter-note triplets by practicing open-string exercises such as those above.
3. When you return to the piece, extract the passage with the quarter note triplets.
4. If it is a fast passage, work out the rhythm slowly at first using the counting principles above.
5. Gradually speed it up either by ear or with a metronome.

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