Triplet Scale

Here’s a simple variation on a basic scale which allows you to practice three note patterns in fun new ways.

Now let’s learn how to do it.

First, simply warm up with a D major scale.

D0-1-2-3-A0-1-2-3

For this lesson, I suggest using the following variations:

  • Triplets
  • Hoedown

Here is how you play the jig scale:

D0-1-2 3-A0-1 2-3-E0 A3-2-1 0-D3-2 1-0-1

The first 8 notes are like the standard scale. Then we go up to open E and turn around. When we get to the bottom, we simply add a D1 before starting the scale again.

Cool, now let’s loop it a few times together.

You may be wondering, “This triplet scale is pretty much a normal scale with two extra notes. Is really worth it to make a whole fiddle lesson on this unimpressive scale?”

This triplet scale will make it easier to practice 3-note patterns in fun new ways. because the whole scale is eighteen notes long. Usually a typical scale is sixteen notes (up and down) which is good for practicing two, four and eight note patterns. The triplet scale is 18 notes long which means that three note patterns will fit more nicely into it.

Examples:

  • Rhythms
  • For the following patterns, split the rhythm across three scale steps
  • Hoedown
  • Reverse hoedown
  • Short-long-short
  • Triplets!
  • It is, after all, the triplet scale
  • Slur patterns
  • Slur three
  • Slur two-separate one
  • Separate one-slur two
  • Slur six
  • Accenting
  • Jig accent

Here’s an alternate way to do the jig scale:

D0-1-2 3-A0-1 2-3-E0 A3-2-1 0-D3-2 1-0-GH3

To do this, you will need to have learned and practiced raised third position.

If you’ve learned and practiced fourth finger, then you can play A4 instead of open E string at the top. {demo}

Knowing this means you can easily play the triplet scale with A major.

Once you get the idea, I encourage you to practice the triplet scale with any 8-note scale you’ve been learning: dorian, klezmer, etc.

Nice. Now go fiddle with it.

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