- Definition
In a triplet, three evenly spaced notes fit into the beat space that would usually hold two. A small "3" above the group tells the musician to use that rhythm.
When you hear 'mer-ri-ly' in 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat,' that's a triplet.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A triplet is like trying to fit three quick steps into the space where you would normally take two regular steps.
Ask your child: Can you tap a rhythm that fits three sounds into two beats?
Common mix-up: Kids might think a triplet is just any three notes played together. The key is that those three notes are squeezed into the time normally taken by two.
Examples
- The first three notes of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' on 'Oh-oh say' form a triplet.
- Tapping your fingers three times very quickly in the same time it takes you to tap twice.
triplet is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
