Lesson 2.4 - Triplets

As required for Grade 2 ABRSM Theory

and Grade 3 Trinity Theory

Download a worksheet with answers for this lesson HERE

Triplets simply means three notes played in the time of two. They are usually shown with a small three and a bracket placed above or below (depending on the direction of the note stem), the notes that are to be played as a triplet.

A triplet can be used when two notes that would add up to three of something are used. For example a crotchet and a quaver are worth three quavers. 

So in this example, the triplet is played in the same time as two normal quavers. (Three triplet quavers = Two normal quavers.)

In each of the following pairs of bars the first bar contains a triplet rhythm and the second, a single note that the first group is worth.