Most strumming patterns are based on eighth notes — a straight down-up-down-up feel in 4/4 time. The triplet strum pattern breaks that mold completely and adds a whole new dimension to your strumming patterns vocabulary. Instead of two subdivisions per beat, you get three. It gives your playing a rolling, waltz-like quality that sounds completely different from standard strumming.
Colin walks through the triplet strum technique in this lesson.
What Makes Triplets Different
In a standard eighth note pattern, each beat divides into two equal parts: down-up. In a triplet pattern, each beat divides into three equal parts: down-up-down (or up-down-up for the next beat). Count it as “1-trip-let, 2-trip-let, 3-trip-let, 4-trip-let.”
That extra subdivision per beat changes the entire feel. Songs in 3/4 time (waltz time) or 6/8 time naturally use this feel. But you can also apply triplet strumming to songs in 4/4 time for a more flowing, less rigid groove.
The Basic Triplet Strum
Start with a single chord — G or Em works well. Strum down-up-down for beat one, up-down-up for beat two, and so on. The direction alternates with each stroke, creating a continuous rolling motion.
The trick is keeping all three strums within each beat perfectly even. Beginners tend to rush the third strum or make the first strum heavier than the other two. Use a metronome set to a slow tempo (60-70 BPM) and really focus on evenness.
Adding Accents
Once the basic triplet motion is steady, start accenting the first strum of each group. Hit the downstroke on the beat a bit harder while keeping the other two strums lighter. This gives the pattern shape and makes it sound musical instead of flat.
You can also try accenting only beats 1 and 3 (in 4/4 time) while keeping beats 2 and 4 softer. This creates a push-pull feel that works great for ballads and slower songs.
Where You’ll Hear Triplet Strumming
This feel shows up more often than you’d expect. Slow blues often uses triplets — that rolling 12/8 feel is essentially four beats with triplet subdivisions. Country ballads, folk waltzes, and acoustic pop all draw on this technique.
Any time a song feels like it has a “sway” to it rather than a “march,” there’s a good chance triplets are involved.
Combining Triplets with Other Techniques
Once you’re comfortable with the basic pattern, try adding bass notes on beat one (picking a single bass string before the strum) or mixing in some muted strums for a more percussive variation.
The triplet strum also blends well with fingerstyle — using your thumb for the first note of each triplet and your fingers for the second and third. This gives you a Travis-picking feel without committing to a full fingerpicking pattern.
More Strumming Lessons
If you’re still working on the basics, start with beginner strumming patterns before tackling triplets. For a broader look at different approaches, check out guitar strumming styles.
For all our strumming lessons in one place, head to our strumming patterns guide.
