Studio Class 10
Triangle
Dr. Jason Kihle, Associate Professor of Percussion
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Triangle
Basics
- Use leaded fishing line or plain fishing line (two separate loops) to secure triangle to clip
- With your hand, form a “C”, and this is the shape with which you hold the clip
- Good beaters are: Stoessel or Black Swamp Spectrum; you should have a selection of beaters
- 10” length of cold rolled steel will also work
- Overtones are desired from the sound of a triangle (Why is this?)
- Put music stand to R and triangle to L to let sound through
Selection
- Average triangle measures 6”-8”
- For a brighter sound, a smaller triangle may be a better choice (not necessarily for playing soft)
Playing
- For a thin texture and less resonance, play the triangle on the outside near the top or on the inside of the base near the closed end; play on the outside near the bottom for a full texture and resonance
- For fast passages, play at the top of the triangle for a thin sound, or between the base and the closed side of the triangle for a full sound
Rolls
- Two corners: softer at top, louder in RH corner
- Go out towards end of open end for loud roll
- Danmar produces a triangle extender
- 3/8” triangle but no smaller
Other Tips
- Between horizontal and perpendicular for most overtones
- Straight rod beater for intricate rhythms
- Don't show up to paint on a canvas with only one brush (though some artists say they only use one beater and practice soft with a regular size beater so it is heard)
- Roll: at corner, recreate angle you want for normal striking,
- For faster rhythms: play in corner
- Moleskin on tri clip can help, but stand can rattle
- Paint stick on cymbal stand and hang tri on cym stand after drilling hole in it
Playing Concepts
- Can you play 4 in a row that are the same?
- More velocity on up than down
- Music is not always marked correctly, usually let it ring through rests
- Can create a lighter attack if you use more upstroke
- Use Keith Aleo accessory book for sight reading