Tuplets
Tuplets indicate where a beat is divided into a different number of subdivisions than is usually expected according to the current meter. They can be used to fit more notes or fewer notes in a beat than usually exist in a beat, according to the usual pattern of subdivision.
Figure: A 4/4 bar with the standard subdivision of four quarter notes |
Figure: A 4/4 bar with a subdivision of six triplet quarter notes in the space of four regular quarter notes |
Figure: A 6/8 bar with the standard subdivision of six eighth notes |
Figure: A 6/8 bar with a subdivision of four duplet eighth notes in the space of six regular eighth notes |
Because these subdivisions are not standard but tuplet notes use the same rhythmic notation as normal notes, tuplets must be clearly marked to show that their rhythmic duration is different.
In the examples, the triplet quarter notes are shown under a bracket with the number 3. The duplet eighth notes do not need a bracket as they are joined by a beam, which has a number 2 above it.
Tuplets in Dorico Elements can be shown with just a tuplet bracket, with a tuplet bracket and a tuplet number/ratio, or with a tuplet bracket, a tuplet number/ratio, and a note indicating the note value of the tuplet.