Revealed!!! Bonham Triplets – No More Dazed and Confused

January 19, 2020
Blog, Drum Tips

Did you ever find the Bonham Triplets at the end of the guitar solo section [in Dazed and Confused] leaving you a bit dazed and confused? I certainly did! Many moons ago at a friend’s house, we listened to Dazed and Confused by Led Zeppelin and focused on the Bonham Triplets. These were the days before YouTube and we only had a cassette version of the song. So back then, we had to use our ears and imagination. After attempting the triplets on the drums, my friend and I agreed that it didn’t sound quite right. Fast forward many years later and when watching Led Zeppelin I could see what John Bonham was actually playing.

Bonham Triplets

So, what are Bonham Triplets? Firstly, a triplet is a specific rhythm of three notes played in the space of two (8th) notes. A common form of triplet is an 8th note triplet and it is notated like this:

Bonham Triplet notated.
8th note triplet

For example, in a measure of 4/4, you can count them like this:

  • 1 Trip-Let
  • 2 Trip-Let
  • 3 Trip-Let
  • 4 Trip-Let

It also helps to think of a circus waltz (which has a 3/4 time signature) to understand the rhythm.

So, in this context Bonham triplets are merely triplets repeated over four bars / measures of music.

As he was a right handed drummer, it’s easy to assume he played the triplet pattern – Right Hand, Left Hand, Kick (R L K). What he actually played was: Left Hand, Right Hand, Kick (L R K). Therefore, you lead with your left hand as opposed to your right. Which, for a right handed drummer feels unnatural to begin with. However it’s nothing a bit of practice won’t sort out.

The Impressive Thing About The Bonham Triplets

The impressive thing about the Bonham Triplets is that they merge simplicity with showmanship. He crosses over his hands (on beat 3) and then crosses them back (on beat 4). This gives the triplets a different orchestration on the toms.

  • The first triplet is – two hits on the snare drum then the kick drum.
  • The second triplet is – one rack tom, then the floor tom then the kick drum.
  • The third triplet (the crossover) is – one floor tom (with the left hand), one rack tom (with the right hand) and then the kick drum.
  • The fourth triplet is one rack tom, one floor tom then the kick drum.

This pattern repeats for four bars / measures of music. It actually starts with a single kick drum (on the ‘let’ of the Trip-let from the previous measure’s beat 4).

Good Workout

At the very least, you’ll get a good workout from these Bonham Triplets. Especially if you play them consistently at the rate he plays them.

Should you find it tricky to play at first, simply break it down into bite-sized-chunks. Once you are used to each triplet (especially leading with the left hand), work towards combining them altogether. Start slowly and repeat, repeat, repeat. Your accuracy and consistency at faster tempos will become easier as you’ll have done many reps of it slow beforehand.

If you can already play the pattern, try adding the hi-hats with your left foot on all the 1/4 notes. This will include your left leg which is also a good work out as then all four limbs are in on the action.

Showmanship

As previously mentioned, the impressive thing about Bonham Triplets is how they merge simplicity with showmanship. Visually, it looks great and sounds interesting. Furthermore the Bonham triplets are an integral part of the song; it’s hard to imagine any other fill that would set up the next section perfectly. Can you?

Have fun playing Bonham Triplets. Maybe you can incorporate Bonham Triplets into your playing and add that bit of showmanship you may have previously been lacking(?).

How about you work on your own variation of Triplets and find out what unique version fits best for you?

Do you like playing Bonham Triplets? Or was there anything I’ve left out? Tell me about it in the comments section below.

Ben Woollacott Administrator