question

[pies]

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[belvoce]

The 3 indicates that the notes below it are a triplet. A triplet is a group of three notes that are performed in the space normally alloted for two of the same kind of note. It's like dividing a beat into thirds vs, halves.

[donjuan]

This might help: count the quarter beats like this: 1-lol-ly 2-lo-ly 3-lo-ly, or pine-app-le pine-app-le...

anything with three syllables- the idea is to accentuate the first sylabble (1lo-ly) or (pineapp-le)
this helped me learn triplets.

Hope it helps,
donjuan

[pies]

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[faulty_damper]

Count 1, 2.

Then count 1, 2, 3 in the same amount of time as the 1, 2 count.

Lo li (1,2)
One, lo lie (1,2,3)

[JK]

Another really good way to learn triplets against ordinary notes is to say "nice cup of tea" whilst tapping your hands! Sounds crazy but try this:

Think of the rhythm crotchet, quaver, quaver, crotchet. On the first crotchet tap both hands and say nice. On the next quaver tap your right hand and say cup. On the next quaver tap your left hand and say of. On the next crotchet tap your right hand and tea. Repeat this and you will soon be able to play twos against threes.

[donjuan]

Another really good way to learn triplets against ordinary notes is to say "nice cup of tea" whilst tapping your hands! Sounds crazy but try this:

Think of the rhythm crotchet, quaver, quaver, crotchet. On the first crotchet tap both hands and say nice. On the next quaver tap your right hand and say cup. On the next quaver tap your left hand and say of. On the next crotchet tap your right hand and tea. Repeat this and you will soon be able to play twos against threes.

This is more confusing than the "1- lo-lie" thing I was trying to teach pies..

[belvoce]

Pies, it is sort of hard to demonstrate triplets without actually showing you in person.   Do you know anyone who plays the piano (or is musically inclined) who might be able to show you?

[faulty_damper]

A triplet means 3 in the place of two.  There are others like quintuplets, sextuplets, septuplets, etc. written as 5, 6, 7, etc.  But triplets, 3, means that in the place of 2 notes, there are three notes.

Take two eight notes.  Play it with your left hand.  Continue playing it.

Now, with your right hand, play 3 notes in that space of 2.

RH   * * * | * * * | * * * |
LH   *   *  | *   *  | *   *  |


Notice that the left hand, the second note in the measure is played between the 2nd and 3rd notes.  And on the down beat of the next measure, both the RH and LH plays the together.

[pies]

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[pies]

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[faulty_damper]

Ha! I finally have succeeded and surpased the "1 lo-lie" method as well as "nice cup of tea" method.  Those methods are now obsolete.  The new method is the asterisk method developed by Sir Faulty S. Damper, of the Royal Ivory School of Brass Pedals.

About music theory class:
I've never taken a music theory class.  I want to if my school offers it and it is not full.  Since I'm not a music major, priority goes to the other students.  So I've had to read on theory on my own.

But it is worth it.  If you understand the basics of notation, duration, crochets, quavers, etc. you should consider it as it will most definitely help your reading of the score you intend to play.  You'll be able to see what technique was used by the composers and understand it.

 Theory is important and it makes you more knowledgeable if you know it and you will be less likely to ask questions to simple items in the score, like "what do the 3's above the notes mean?"  It will be fully discussed in theory, though your teacher, if any, should be able to answer all of your questions.

f.D.S.F.

[donjuan]

i don't want to make another thread so i'll ask here:
is it worth taking a music theory class in high school? my school has one, im thinking of taking it.

description of class: "Music Theory is designed to provide a thorough background in music for those seeking a broad inclusive knowledge of music writing, and improvement in performance through a thorough study of scales, intervals, chords, analysis of music literature, writing and arranging, and ear-training."

If you can get a free theory lesson, GO FOR IT!!  I would..
I took advantage of my highschool offering Guitar Lessons.  Sure the lessons aren't very in depth, and some of the kids are dumbasses, but it's FREE, FREE FREEEEEEE!!! ;Dmwahahahaha!!!
donjuan

[pies]

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[donjuan]

Yeah, dont you hate it when everyone around you is such an oppurtunist?

bastards..donjuan