ABSTRACT
The chart below shows the most common triplets in simple meter. Note that these one-beat triplets are always written using the same note-value as the division of the beat.
Triplets look identical to the division in compound meter, but have a completely different function in music. They belong to a group of rhythms referred to as irregular divisions of the beat (including triplets, duplets, quintuplets, etc.—any groupings, in simple or compound meter, that do not conform to normal metric divisions). The most important use of triplets is one that emphasizes their “irregularity,” creating a sense of resistance in music. Play the two melodies below:
In the first, the melodic contour helps to shape the phrase; the rhythm plays a lesser role. The second example uses the same basic melodic line, but is enhanced by triplets. Notice the sense of drive the triplets provide.
