Exercise #2: Integrating the Bass Drum within triplet and sextuplet rhythms

As my second entry into my drum exercises page, I decided to post an exercise that incorporates the bass drum within often dense snare drum rhythms. For this exercise, I adapted exercises from Ted Reed’s wonderful book “Syncopation” (If you don’t have this book, order it- or better yet, go to a music shop and pick up a copy. You’ll be glad you did!).

Often it takes some time before these exercises feel comfortable - especially if you’re not used to this type of coordination. But as they settle in, you will probably notice that the figures resemble those played by be-bop masters such as Max Roach. In the process, you will likely improve your coordination significantly which of course will benefit any style of music that you enjoy playing. Just be patient and insist on playing with solid time and a good feel.

Some notes about this exercise:

• If you have Reed’s book, first play each exercise as he wrote it, but single-handedly using the dominate hand (I have written R.H. for the exercise, but certainly this can be reversed). If you don’t have Reed’s book, simply reduce all my figures that have sixteenth notes to triplets and play single handedly (see the example that I wrote at the top of the exercise). 
  
• If you’re able to do it, playing 2 & 4 on your hi hat is the way to go.
  
• Practice with a metronome beating on counts 2 & 4, if possible.
  
• Start slowly. Increase the tempo only after each exercise can be played smoothly. But be able to play these slowly too. It can be challenging to play slow tempos!
  
• Always play “time” between exercises in order to develop the seem-less transition needed between playing time and playing a fill or solo break.
  

Have fun!!!

Until next next time-

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