Duplets

Definition of the duplet

A duplet is a tuplet that permit to divide the beat (or more than 1 beat) by 2 in compound meters.

The rule is: A duplet can put 2 notes in the equivalent of 3. Or more exactly, A duplet can put 2 notes of equal length in the equivalent of the duration of 3 notes of equal length.

The most famous duplet: The eighth note duplet (quaver duplet )

Below is an eighth note duplet (quaver duplet ):

With an eighth note duplet (quaver duplet ), you can performed 2 in the equivalent of the duration of 3 , so you can divide a beat by 2 in a compound meter time signature.

Example with the famous Clair de Lune from Claude Debussy:

Quarter note duplet (Crotchet duplet )

Example of quarter note duplet (crotchet duplet ):

Sixteenth note duplet (Semiquaver duplet )

Example of sixteenth note duplet (semiquaver duplet ):

Half note duplet (Minim duplet )

Example of half note duplet (minim duplet ):

Duplets and rests

Duplets can contains rests, like in this example:

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