Triplets have 3 notes in each beat and usually have a number 3 above them. They are counted "1 & a 2 & a 3 & a 4 & a".

Count out loud as you play. Practice these from 80 - 140 BPM.

7a.

7b.

7c.

7d.

7e.

7f.

Now add the bass drum on each beat. You'll notice that the bass drum alternates hitting with each hand. If you start with your right hand and alternate every stroke, the bass drum will hit with your right hand on beats 1 & 3 every bar. The bass drum will also hit with the left hand on beats 2 & 4 every bar.

Practice these from 60 - 160 BPM.

7g.

7h.

7i.

7j.

7k.

7l.

The first type of groove we will play with triplets is a 12/8 groove. This uses the triplet in a slower and groovy way. As there are 12 eighth notes in the bar, we count 1,2,3, 4,5,6, 7,8,9, 10,11,12. Aim to feel the pulse on the 1, 4, 7 and 10.

Practice these from 80 - 160 BPM = dotted quarter note.

8a.

8b.

8c.

8d.

8e.

8f.

The second type of groove we do with triplets is the Shuffle Groove. The shuffle feel uses the first and third notes of the triplet. This creates a shuffling or skipping feeling. Listen to the grooves and play along. This feel can take a while to master and each groove should be practiced for at least 5 minutes a day for a few weeks.

Practice these grooves from 80 - 160 BPM.

8g.

8h.

8i.

8j.

8k.

8l.

The last section of triplets is combining eighth notes with triplets to understand and feel the difference between both rhythms. The counting changes with each beat, eg. 1 & a 2 & 3 & 4 & for the first exercises. Listen to the examples carefully.

Practice these from 80 - 140 BPM.

8m.

8n.

8o.

8p.

8q.

8r.

8s.

8t.