Shuffle Rhythm
The shuffle rhythm is a very common variation based upon the triplet. It is created by not picking the middle note of the triplet, as indicated by the tie.
This can also be written as:
A staccato feel can be achieved by using a rest on the middle count of the triplet, as such:
This example features the shuffle rhythm with a staccato feel. The staccato feel is more common in Funk Bass playing than any other style of playing.
In this example the shuffle rhythm is broken up by rests.
This example employs the shuffle rhythm with an anticipated chord change into the second bar.
This example is a variation of the previous lick. Instead of repeated notes octaves are in place which is another typical feature of Funk Bass playing.
If the first note of a group of three eighth note triplets is (A) tied to another note or (B) replaced by an eighth note triplet rest, then the following two rhythmical figures are produced.
The following four examples use these rhythmical concepts in combination with previous ones.
The following two rhythmical variations replace the last note of a group of three eighth note triplets with (A). The holding over of beat "4" (B). An eighth note triplet rest.
This example uses the rhythmical variation (A) as outlined, at the second half of each bar.
This example uses variation (B) at the beginning of the second bar. The last note of the lick is tied to the first note when repeated and is played as an anticipation (see Section One: Anticipation).
If the second note only of a group of eighth note triplets is played, the following rhythmical figure is produced:
If beat "+" is a quarter note triplet, then this rhythmical figure is produced:
This example uses the rhythmical figure, as outlined, on the last beat of the lick.
In quarter note triplet timing there are three quarter notes played in the same space of two beats.
This example introduces the quarter note triplet at the end of the second bar.
This example uses quarter note triplets throughout the second bar starting with a rest on the first beat. The first played note is on the 1+a. Listening to the recording will help you to get the correct feel and timing.
This example uses a straight feel (eighth notes and syncopation). A quarter note triplet is played at the end of the second bar.
Quarter note triplets appear in triplet feels, e.g., shuffle as well as in straight feel, e.g., eighth note or sixteenth note feels.
