As a drummer, it is important to get creative and improvise. As opposed to eighth note and sixteenth note grooves, a triplet groove might seem challenging as it has a different time signature. Let’s begin and learn a triplet groove.

What are Triplets?

If we were to divide quarter notes into two parts, the result is an eighth note groove. Similarly, when we divide an eighth note groove into two equal parts, we get a sixteenth note beat. Now, when it comes to triplets, we divide a bar into three equal parts.

Here is how it is divided and counted:

1^st part of a triplet – 1

2^nd part of triplet – Trip

3^rd part of triplet – Let

So, like how an eighth note groove is counted as 1-&-2-&-3-&-4-&, a triplet groove is represented as 1-trip-let-2-trip-let-3-trip-let-4-trip-let.

Playing a Triplet

Before we move any further or try playing a triplet on the drum kit, let’s try clapping it out. So as mentioned before:

1^st Clap – 1

2^nd Clap – Trip

3^rd Clap – Let

Therefore, putting them all together, it would sound like 1-trip-let-2-trip-let-3-trip-let. In drum theory or in a rhythmic chart, a triplet groove can be represented like:

Remember to take it slow as it might be a little hard while transitioning between time signatures. But once you've got the hang of it, playing triplets is great fun. The secret is to repeat yourself playing an 8th note groove and following it up with an 8th note triplet. Don't forget to have fun while doing it.

Triplets are an important fundamental to learn, so practise well. Repetition will help you get comfortable with the concept of dividing the note into three. Next, we’ll be exploring how to play eighth note and sixteenth note fills around the kit.