Composite Patterns
This section contains 20 composite patterns created by combining various examples from the first four sections in various ways. Accents, open/closed hi-hats, foot closed hi-hats and various other effects have been added to some of the patterns. Such additions should be experimented with as much as possible, as they add a new dimension to the sound of a 'groove'.
Identifying a Composite Pattern
Each composite pattern is identified according to which individual examples (1- 476) were used in its creation. There are two main features of this identification system:
1) A '+' sign separates each individual example.
2) Substituted bass drum rhythms are represented as the denominator(bottom number) of a fraction. The numerator (top number)represents the % example to which the substituted % bass drum rhythm was introduced. For example, in composite pattern 5 (C5) the bass drum rhythms of examples 4, 2 and 28 were introduced to example 221. Example 221 was repeated three times. This creates the first 1 1/2 bars of composite pattern 5. The last half of bar 2 is formed by substituting the bass drum rhythm of example 1 to example 459.
Suggested Practice Method
1) Play each composite pattern at various tempos, paying particular attention to the sound and feel of each.
2) Incorporate some of the ideas and effects featured in this section, with previous examples or your own composite patterns.
3) Experiment with the alteration of variables such as :
- Tempo
- Dynamics
- Dynamics between each limb
- Sticking
- Sound source
For more grooves in all styles see 'Progressive Drum Grooves' by the same author.
