A tuplet modifies the natural duration of its notes. Written n:m, it multiplies this duration by m/n. It is also often written n. The value of m is then deduced from the space it takes up in the measure.
The most common types of tuplets are:
- the duplet (2:3)
- the triplet (3:2)
- the quintuplet (5:4 or 5:6)
- the sextuplet (6:4)
- the septuplet (7:8 or 7:6)
Examples
The eighth note triplet takes up two eighth notes: each eighth note of the triplet is thus worth two thirds of an eighth note.
A tuplet can group notes of different values. In this triplet, the quarter note is worth two thirds of a quarter note, the eighth note is worth two thirds of an eighth note.
The eighth notes of this 13-uplet take up twelve eighth notes. Each eighth note of the 13-uplet is thus worth twelve thirteenths of an eighth note.
