LearnMusicTheory.net 1.24 Tuplets/Grouplets Tuplets or grouplets are note groupings not represented by the standard rhythmic values. To find the correct rhythmic value to use for a given tuplet, use the next longer number that fits in the table of standard rhythmic values (see the Table of Rhythmic Values on 1.21 Rhythm Fundamentals). The only exception is duplets (groups of 2): for duplets only, use the next shorter rhythmic value.

For instance, for three even note values in the space of a quarter note, the next longer value is 2 eighth notes: 3 q = iq = ! ! ! This particular tuplet is a triplet because it is a group of three notes in the time that would normally take two eighth notes (remember one quarter = two eighths). Other common tuplets include duplets (groups of two), quadruplets (groups of four), quintuplets (groups of five), and sextuplets (groups of six).

When the beam doesn't connect all the notes due to a rest, or when there isn't a beam (like half notes), tuplets are written using a bracket. The number always goes on the beam side if it is by itself, and on the notehead side if there is a bracket. 3 ! ! " = q Here are several more examples:

Examples with Non-dotted Rhythmic Values Example 1: 3 notes in the duration of 1 whole note Next longer value in the table than dividing into 3 parts is dividing into 2 parts. 1 whole note = 2 half notes, so use half notes for this tuplet. 3 w = # # = # # #

Example 2: 5 notes in the duration of 1 quarter note Next longer value in the table than dividing into 5 parts is dividing into 4 parts. 1 quarter note = 4 sixteenth notes, so use sixteenth notes for this quintuplet. 5 q = ! ! ! ! = ! ! ! ! !

Examples with Dotted Rhythmic Values The same principles apply for dotted note values. Remember a dotted note equals three of the next smaller note; for instance, a dotted quarter is three eighth notes, or six sixteenth notes (see dots on 1.21 Rhythm Fundamentals).

Example 3: 5 notes in the duration of 1 dotted quarter note The next longer value for dotted notes than dividing into 5 parts is dividing into 3 parts. 1 dotted quarter note = 3 eighth notes, so use eighth notes for this quintuplet. 5 q. = ! ! ! = ! ! ! ! ! Example 4: 7 notes in the duration of 1 dotted quarter note The next longer value for dotted notes than dividing into 7 parts is dividing into 6 parts. 1 dotted quarter note = 6 sixteenth notes, so use sixteenth notes for this septuplet (7-note group). 7 q. = ! ! ! ! ! ! = ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Example 5: 2 notes in the duration of 1 dotted quarter note DUPLETS ARE THE EXCEPTION! For duplets, go to the next shorter note value. The next shorter value for dotted notes than dividing into 2 parts is dividing into 3 parts. 1 dotted quarter note = 3 eighth notes, so use eighth notes for this duplet. 2 q. = ! ! ! = ! ! Copyright © 2010 by Mark Feezell. All Rights Reserved.