Hi,

I'm curious to know how other players approach playing "repeated note triplets" i.e. repeating triplets on the same fret. I keep coming back to 2 fingers only, particularly on the high frets where things are "tight".

If you answered 3 fingers, do you start each triplet group with the same finger, or do you alternate constantly?
Or is the answer "any of the above" depending on the context?

Cheers,
Andy

Personally, I think it's 'any of the above'. If you're tight for space, can it be solved with MORE hand movement?

I tend to use 3 fingers, in this case I will start every triplet with the same finger (1,2,3 - 1,2,3 or 3,2,1 - 3,2,1).
If I feel that I don't have enough space I will use 2 fingers and this time I will most probably alternate (1,2,1-2,1,2).

Cheers, Daniel

Hi Andy,

I like to use fingers 1 and 2 because I think it's faster, and I think it's easier to transition into and out of. If you spend some time pracitcing different accent patterns, then you are really in control.

As far as David's point goes, I noticed especially when I was playing the Alto that you do need to move your hand to get the fingers out of each other's way when the fret spacing gets really tight (even playing notes on sequential frets).

Lucky for me movement is always a part of my technique...

I alternate between my index and pinkie fingers with the pinkie playing the unison note five frets up the neck and one string over. I imagine this type of action is completely foreign to guitar players, but it's a staple of keyboard players. Try to rotate the wrist instead of using the fingers. It'll be more even.

You can also work in the other hand on the bass side of the stick if the unison note is in reach of whatever else that hand is doing.

You'll hear a slight change in timbre between the two fingers, but I find it to be more interesting to the ear. YMMV.

>>You can also work in the other hand on the bass side of the stick if the unison note is in reach of whatever else that hand is doing.<<

Or you can use the right thumb on the bass side to hit the same note. The "Claw" technique strikes again. Try 2-1-thumb.

Linda Triplett

Or, for that matter, what about #1 from the bass hand, if it isn't already doing something?

J-Lev