Rhythm Guitar 301 - Triplets And The Shuffle

Welcome to level 3!

Now that we’ve learned about straight rhythms and syncopated rhythms, it’s time to add one more rhythmic concept: triplets and “the shuffle.”

Triplets are 3 beats that fit equally in one beat, or one beat divided by three. This is a significantly different sound than eighth notes, which as you remember are two beats in one.

You count these beats Tri-Pel-let

Try counting these with your hands on your knees, and then on your guitar. It’s a lot of fun and it will open up tremendous rhythmic possibilities.

A great example of using triplets as a rhythmic base is “the shuffle,” common in blues.

The shuffle is a triplet without the middle note (pel in tri-pel-let).

Try playing triplets not only with chords, but in scales as well. It’s a great way to add more character to your lead playing, so practice your scales with a metronome but vary between triplets and eighth / quarter notes.

Good luck!