Triplet Flow: How to Rap in Triplets

You know a triplet flow when you hear it: three syllables per beat that roll a little instead of landing straight on the grid. You hear it a lot in trap. Here's how to learn it.

What is a triplet flow?

In a straight flow you split a beat into two or four pieces. In a triplet you split it into three. Three equal syllables per beat, over and over. That makes your flow rub against the beat a little, which gives it that rolling groove.

1. Count in threes

Tap your foot on every beat and say "trip-uh-let" in your head on every tap. Those three syllables are your triplet. Once that works, swap them for your own words.

2. Practice on a metronome first

Put on a metronome at a calm tempo and rap three syllables per click. Once it's tight, bump the tempo up a bit. You can do that with the free tap tempo and metronome.

3. Pick words of three

Words or bits of a sentence with three syllables fit exactly into one beat. Think "every day" or "on the road". That way you don't have to cram to stay in the rhythm.

4. Put the stress on the first one

Let the first syllable of each triplet land on the beat and give it the emphasis. That keeps the flow locked to the beat, even while it rolls.

5. Switch it up

A whole verse in triplets gets monotonous fast. Start straight and switch to triplets halfway, for example, or the other way around. That contrast is what makes it hit. Want to go faster instead? Read how to rap double time. More on switching it up in how to improve your flow.

6. Pick the right beat

Triplets work well on trap, because you count on the half-time feel and there's lots of room between the snares. Read what BPM is trap for how that works. Making your own beats? Read how to make a trap beat in FL Studio.

Common mistakes

• Uneven syllables. A triplet only works if the three pieces are the same length.
• Stress in the wrong spot. Then you lose the beat and it sounds sloppy.
• Holding it too long. A few bars stand out more than a whole verse.

Looking for a beat to practice on? Browse all beats.

FAQ

What is a triplet flow in rap?

A flow with three equal syllables per beat instead of two or four. That makes it roll a little over the beat.

What beats work for a triplet flow?

Mostly trap, where you count on the half-time feel. But you can use it on any beat if you switch it up with a straight flow.

How do I count a triplet?

Tap on every beat and say three equal syllables with it, like "trip-uh-let". Start slow on a metronome.