Fingerpicking Triplets

Fingerpicking Triplets

by | Mar 14, 2023 | Fingerstyle | 0 comments

One of the most common questions in regards to rhythm is how to play a triplet picking pattern. In order to do so you must first understand how a triplet works.

A triplet is split evenly into three parts within a quarter note. It’s like squeezing 3 eighth notes into one beat however, the duration of each is now slightly shorter due to the limited amount of time to fit each note within that beat.

Rhythm #1

Here is a quarter note pattern to start with. Pluck each note as one beat.

We added a half note at the end to fulfill the measure.

 

 

Rhythm #2

Now let’s try an eighth note pattern. Pluck two notes for each beat. They must fit evenly within the quarter note on the down and up beats.



Rhythm #3

Finally, this is the triplet pattern. I would recommend started by plucking only the first string with this rhythm. Count the rhythm as “one and ah, two and ah”.

Here is a video on popular finger picking patterns to start with:

If you were having trouble making the trip it’s even within the beat try using a metronome set a quarter notes 40 BPM and practice playing three notes within each beat.

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