Technique:BdB triplet

Uilleann Pipes
1

Hi

In the thread on Bcd triplet technique Eric mentions the BdB triplet.

It’s not a one I have tried before and after a few goes failed to get anything working with it.

To those who use it or have an opinion ,where would you use it and would you use 1 or 2 fingers for one or both the Bs?

You can tell I’m working from home today, back to the marking.

Thanks
David

2

Hi David (am working from home also!)

I (attempt) to use the bdb triplet in a couple of tunes, I find it really hard but it goes well in place of the crotchet b that opens ‘bonnie bunch of ferns’
I try to use both fingers (with varying degrees of success) to play the b. In old recordings of Robbie Hannan he sprinkles them about everywhere!

3

Hey beckitybek!
You wouldnt happen to have the dots for the Bonny Bunch of Ferns at all would you? Or, where can I get it. I cant find it!

Cheers

Sam

4

Hi Becky,

Thanks, will give the triplet another go.

I think I need to loosen up my thumb some before it will click properly.

I can feel finger (thumb) exercises coming on, the sort that make people believe you have a nervous disorder of some sort.

Will also have to try and find those tapes of Robbie that PH passed on many years ago.

David

5

would you use 1 or 2 fingers for one or both the Bs?

I find I use 2 fingers for both.

where would you use it

For me, it’s about rhythm… it’s the same as the AcA triplet, “dicky-da”, but just on a different note. So, if you want that triplet rhythm on a B, there you have it. I use the BdB triplet because I didn’t realize there was a BcB triplet, which kind of strikes me as a little easier to play. Not sure if they’re interchangeable or not, but I suppose it’s best to be able to do both.

I don’t have a large repetoire on the pipes, so I can’t specifically think of many places I use the BdB triplet, but again, it’s wherever I’d want to lilt that triplet rhythm. One place can be on the first long B in The Morning Star. Another place I like that rhythm is in a descending cadence in hornpipes: | (3.B.dB GB (3.A.cA FA | G2 GF G4 ||

I think I need to loosen up my thumb

Yeah, I find it difficult. Relaxation is the key for me. The tighter my hands are the more difficult the triplet.