Two Against Three Rhythms - Music Theory

Music Matters
17 Apr 202314:34
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this tutorial video, piano teacher Gareth Green explains the concept of musical triplets, which allow playing three notes in the time normally taken to play two. He clarifies how to count and subdivide beats when a triplet rhythm in one hand is played against a straight rhythm in the other hand. The key is keeping a steady beat while dividing each beat into either two parts or three equal parts as needed. He stresses the importance of playing triplets evenly without turning them into swung or ragtime rhythms. For those seeking to improve their understanding of music theory concepts like rhythm and syncopation, Gareth promotes his website's theory courses.

Takeaways
  • ๐Ÿ˜€ A triplet is 3 notes played in the time of 2 regular notes
  • ๐Ÿ˜Š Sextuplets are 2 groups of triplets back-to-back (6 notes total)
  • ๐Ÿค“ To count triplets, divide the beat into 3 equal parts
  • ๐Ÿ˜Ž When notes have dashes instead of beams, it's still a triplet
  • ๐Ÿง Rests or other rhythms can replace 1 or more notes in a triplet
  • ๐Ÿค” To play triplets against regular notes, subdivide the beat correctly
  • ๐Ÿ˜ฎ Clap rhythms like "together, right, left, right" to get the feel
  • ๐Ÿฅณ Check that your triplets are evenly spaced, not swung/ragged
  • โœจ Our website has detailed theory courses on things like triplets
  • ๐ŸŽ‰ Bundle packages offer discounts on multiple theory course levels
Q & A
  • What does a triplet in music notation mean?

    -A triplet in music notation means that three notes have to be played in the time normally taken to play two notes of the same value. So triplets fit three notes into the space of two.

  • How can you count and subdivide beats when playing triplets?

    -When playing triplets over a steady beat, subdivide each beat into three equal parts, counting 'one-ee-and' or 'one-two-three' within the beat. Keep the main beats steady while evenly spacing the triplet notes.

  • How do you play triplets alongside regular notes?

    -Practice subdividing the beat into either two or three depending on whether you are playing regular notes or triplets. Say the rhythm out loud, like 'together, right, left, right' when putting two notes against a triplet.

  • What causes triplets to sound uneven?

    -Triplets can sound uneven if you accidentally play them with a swung or ragtime rhythm instead of dividing the beat into three even parts. Keep practicing triplets slowly, listening for even spacing.

  • What are sextuplets and how do you count them?

    -Sextuplets are six notes played in the space of four. Think of them as two triplets back-to-back. Count them 'one-ee-and, two-ee-and' by subdividing into six over the beat.

  • What happens if a triplet contains a rest?

    -If a triplet contains a rest, it is still three notes worth of time. The total duration takes the place of three evenly spaced notes.

  • How can you practice tricky triplet rhythms?

    -Practice coordinating triplets between hands slowly. Say the rhythm out loud, keep the pulse steady, use a metronome, and build up speed gradually. Break down tricky parts hands separately.

  • Where can you learn more music theory concepts?

    -The presenter recommends checking out the music theory courses on www.mmcourses.co.uk, which explain concepts like rhythm, pitch, keys, chords and more - from basic to advanced.

  • What bundle packages of theory courses are available?

    -Bundle packages are available for the first 5 levels of theory courses at a 20% discount, and for all 8 levels at a 30% discount at www.mmcourses.co.uk.

  • How can studying music theory help your musical understanding?

    -Studying music theory can help you better understand what you are playing. The theory courses demonstrate concepts visually and aurally to develop your grasp of rhythm, pitch, harmony and other elements.

Outlines
00:00
๐Ÿ˜€ Defining Triplets and Sextuplets

This paragraph explains what triplets and sextuplets are in musical notation. Triplets indicate that 3 notes are played in the time duration of 2 regular notes of the same type. Sextuplets work similarly with 6 notes played in the time of 4 regular notes. Mathematical relationships are shown demonstrating how triplets and sextuplets fit rhythmically with regular notes.

05:01
๐Ÿ˜ƒ Playing Triplets Against Regular Notes

This paragraph provides examples of playing triplets in one hand against straight notes in the other hand. Keeping a steady beat and rhythmically subdividing into either 2 or 3 is emphasized. An exercise is demonstrated for practicing triplets against straight 8th notes.

10:04
๐Ÿ˜ Playing 2 Notes Against Triplets

This paragraph focuses on the challenging rhythm of playing 2 notes against triplets. The correct way to execute this rhythm is explained in detail. The importance of keeping triplets evenly spaced and avoiding a swung triplet rhythm is also discussed.

Mindmap
Keywords
๐Ÿ’กtriplet
A triplet is a rhythm notation used in music that indicates that three notes are to be played in the time it would normally take to play two notes of that same duration. For example, three eighth notes as a triplet would be played in the time of two regular eighth notes. Playing triplets require subdividing the beat into three equal parts rather than the usual two parts. Gareth explains what triplets are, why the notation has extra marks or beams sometimes, and gives examples of triplets in the script.
๐Ÿ’กpulse
The pulse in music is the steady underlying beat. Keeping a steady pulse is important when playing tricky rhythms like triplets. Gareth stresses keeping the pulse steady when playing triplets against regular notes so that the triplet notes stay even and the other notes stay even.
๐Ÿ’กmaths
The concept of triplets relies on some simple mathematical relationships to work. Explaining the maths behind triplets and how they relate to regular notes in terms of rhythmic duration is an important part of helping viewers understand triplets. Gareth outlines the mathematical basis of triplets.
๐Ÿ’กquavers
A quaver is a musical note value that represents half of a crotchet or quarter note. Gareth uses quavers and triplets of quavers in examples to demonstrate playing triplets against regular notes.
๐Ÿ’กsextuplet
A sextuplet is a rhythm notation that involves six notes played in the space of four. Gareth explains that sextuplets can be thought of as two triplets back-to-back, relating them to the triplet concept.
๐Ÿ’กsyncopation
Syncopation involves accenting normally weak beats or placing rests on normally strong beats, disrupting the regular rhythm. When not played correctly, triplets can become unintentionally syncopated. Gareth warns against letting triplets become uneven rhythms.
๐Ÿ’กduration
Duration refers to the relative rhythmic value of notes and rests. Understanding duration is key to grasping triplets, as triplets alter the normal duration of notes. Gareth compares triplet durations to normal note durations.
๐Ÿ’กbeam
Beaming is the notation device used to group multiple notes together. Gareth explains why triplets might have additional beaming or dashes used. Beaming reinforces the idea that the notes are triplets.
๐Ÿ’กbeat
The beat is the basic unit of time in music. Gareth describes counting beats while playing triplets against regular notes to help align them rhythmically.
๐Ÿ’กtempo
Tempo refers to the speed of the music. After teaching how to count triplets against regular notes, Gareth advises speeding up the tempo as practice to perform the rhythms correctly at faster speeds.
Highlights

A triplet is three notes played in the time it normally takes to play two notes

Triplets can contain rests or other rhythms, but still equal three notes

Sextuplets are just two triplets back-to-back

To play triplets against regular notes, keep a steady beat and divide into 2 or 3

Practice triplets against regular notes by clapping or saying "together, right, left"

Make sure triplets stay even, and don't become an uneven "ragtime" rhythm

Theory courses on website explain rhythm, pitch, keys, chords and more from basic to advanced

Website has bundle packages available with discounts on multiple theory courses

Theory courses have helped many people understand music better

Website has lots of other music courses available beyond just theory

Triplets mean playing three notes in the time of two

Triplets can contain rests or different rhythms but equal three notes

Practice triplets by clapping or chanting "together, right, left"

Make sure triplets stay evenly spaced, not like a "ragtime" rhythm

Website has full music theory courses from basic to advanced levels

Transcripts
Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating: