Time to chime in and reveal how simple it is to learn to play triplets and triplet based strums.

Counting

Counting triplets is as simple as counting anything else. Simply use the counting system we all learned early on - use numbers.

A triplet, as the "tri" in the name implies, means three. It's the subdivision of the beat where there are three even sub divisions of the beat. Notice I had to use the word for the number three a lot in writing this. So, if I'm counting any beat where it can be sub divided by three it's 1 2 3. No need to use words such as trip-o-let or one triplet, two triplet, etc to count.

And there's no need to count the beats as in 1 2 3 2 2 3 3 2 3 4 2 3. That's just too darn complicated and turns into a tongue twister. Simply use 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3. If counted and played evenly the beats will fall into place and take care of themselves.

Here are a few exercises to do before you even pick up the ukulele:

1. Count 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 over and over evenly.
2. Clap or tap you foot on the 1 of the 1 2 3 - those are the downbeats.

Then grab the ukulele and the harder part, to actually execute the rhythmic pattern.

First take you thumb and tap on the body of the ukulele like a drum to your 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 count. Listen to the sound and sing any single syllable sound, replace the tapping of the thumb. If you not comfortable tapping not the ukulele simple clap your hands to the count. The goal is to internalize the rhythm before trying to play anything on the ukulele.

Strumming

Now using any chord that you know that involves strumming all the strings - play that chord wil counting evenly 123123123123... For strum stroke dorection it is best to do a down stroke on the one of each 123. You can do any combination of down and up for the 2 3 of the 1 2 3 count.

There are several ways to finger an open position D major chord. Depending on the context of how it's being used, one fingering might be better than another.

This is the fingering I use most often.

Finger two is covering string four and three with a partial barre. Finger three is on string two, frets (2). This chord can be transposed up and down the fingerboard by placing finger one on string one, two frets lower than the fingers on string two, three, and four.

For fingering single notes it's always a goal of trying to get right behind the fret. That is is location that requires the least amount of effort for pressing the string down to the fingerboard. This fingering is also the goal for the individual notes of a chord. This is not always possible - especially when the notes are on the same fret on adjacent strings. This partial barre of finger two allows you to get as close to the frets as possible. With the added benefit of still being able to use finger one and four for embellishments and added notes.

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