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I have extracted the measure in question that I'm struggling to understand how the notes line up to the existing (4 4) time signature.

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As I understand, the bass has 16, 1/16th counts, but the treble portion has 35, 1/32nd counts (too many). As far as I can tell, each 3-bar set of 32nd notes on the treble portion are suppose to be 3/32 count of the measure but I'm not sure what the '3' written is meant to indicate. It feels as if the 3-bar set of 32nd notes should be 1/16 of the measure, which would then create a measure total of 32, 1/32nd counts but I'm not sure why?

I'm sure there is a musical term for this that would help point me in the right direction.

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marked as duplicate by Dom♦ Jan 15 '18 at 16:46

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You have guessed correctly. The correct musical term for groups of three notes with a three on top is called a Triplet And such irregular type of rhythmic notation is called a tuplet.

Anyway, in the case of triplets, three notes will equal the time of two notes. meaning if there are three eight notes then they will take the time of two eighth notes in total. Same goes for 32nd notes. That's why you noticed that they had to take the time of a 16th note (two 32nd notes) to complete the measure.

So basically, In order to match the timing of two notes, the three notes must be reduced from their original time value. as in three 32nd notes will have 2/3rd of their actual rhythmic value. So 3*2/3=2. So by playing each 32nd note slightly shorter than their actual value you must ensure that the total time taken for that group of three notes is equivalent to a 16th note (or two 32nd notes). So the counting can be simply how you'd count a 16th note mentally and filling in the beat with three quick *ta-ta-ta'*s

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    However, if you do not know how they sound I suggest you find a sound example somewhere (just open a sequencer and put a couple of triples in there!). You wouldn't want to get the wrong idea :) – Some Dude On The Interwebs Mar 20 '15 at 7:18
  • Thank you! I think that explains it well. I appreciate the Wikipedia page link and the correct musical term so I can do further research. – Carl Johnson Mar 20 '15 at 8:01

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