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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