In music theory, a triplet is a rhythmic concept where a beat is divided into three equal parts instead of the usual two or four. This method of dividing time creates a distinct rolling sound that can add a layer of complexity and interest to a piece. Triplets can be applied to any note duration, ranging from whole notes to sixteenth notes, making them versatile tools for composers and producers.
By breaking the monotony of standard rhythmic patterns, triplets introduce a sense of motion and fluidity, allowing music to ebb and flow in more expressive ways. In many genres, especially hip-hop and electronic music, the use of triplets can transform the feel of a track, enhancing its groove and providing dynamic contrast.
A triplet does not alter the total number of beats within a measure; instead, it subdivides a single beat into three equal parts. Typically, in a 4/4 time signature, one beat is divided into two eighth notes or four sixteenth notes. When using triplets, that same beat is divided into three notes instead of two or four. For example, one quarter note triplet fits into the space of one beat, but instead of two equal eighth notes, you have three equal parts. This creates a unique and syncopated rhythm that can produce a more fluid and interesting musical texture.
So let’s say you’re producing a piece of music and you’re just not satisfied with the rhythms you’re coming-up with. You’ve tried all of them, sixteenth notes, eighth notes, rests, gaps, syncopation etc., but nothing feels free enough. This could be because you’re stuck within the world of the notorious rhythmic “grid.” You‘ve probably heard of the “grid” before too. This is the system by which all note values are determined. Strictly speaking, each note value (the length of time a note is held) is fixed to number two. Whole notes divided by two make half-notes, which divided by two make quarter-notes. If you keep following this process you’ll end up with sixteenth-notes, thirty-second notes, and even one-hundred-twenty-eighth notes! In fact it can go on forever…
Because of the system we use, which uses multiples of two for note lengths, you’re stuck to expressing your ideas within a given tempo using these blocks. Most of the time in pop music, this does just fine but sometimes we’re looking for other ways of switching-up the groove.
Triplets are kind of simple, in that they are 3 notes evenly spaced where 2 would occur. So if you have two 1/8th notes on one beat, a triplet would include three 1/8th notes.
Sometimes triplets can increase the sense of “swing” or “pocket” in a piece of music. It can also increase the complexity of your grooves! Remember all of the different subdivisions of grid-based notes? Each of them can be expressed as triplets too.
All-in-all, triplets are a pretty natural feel. A triplet isn’t the only kind of rhythm which can fall out of the grid. Anytime you do so, it’s using what we call a “tuplet.” Triplets are one example, but so are “quintuplets!” Those are five beats in the space of four. If you play a triplet against its grid-structured counterpart, you get a polyrhythm! But more on that another time.
Triplets are all over music—tune in and you'll catch that rhythm popping up more often than you'd expect.
Take a look at our playlist on triplets to get an even more solid feel for them. Are they easy to spot? If they don’t line-up with the grid, you’ll have your answer!
You may notice that a lot of our playlist consists of recent hip-hop tracks that heavily utilise this pattern in the vocals. For another perspective on how triplets can be used in music, we loved this Vox article ‘How the triplet flow took over rap’ for an awesome visual breakdown on triplets and how they’re used in 'Versace' by Migos.
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