The boundaries and parameters of music are continually changing and expanding. All drummers, regardless of their specialist style, now need a sound understanding of other styles to keep up with these continual stylistic expansions.
Having a knowledge of many musical styles also allows you to be more creative. This book therefore, is an invaluable aid to drummers, covering 10 of the most popular drumming styles and giving examples of over 300 beats and 130 fills. The book is designed to introduce the drummer to a broad range of styles, techniques and ideas, by showing examples of what can be played in particular musical situations. A knowledge of basic drumming fundamentals is assumed (see Progressive Drum Method by Craig Lauritsen).
This book is also a valuable reference guide for anyone interested in drum machine programming.
Examples range in difficulty from relatively simple to very advanced.
All material has been chosen to be interesting and usable with fills being added to certain beats, generally at the end of a 4 or 8 bar passage.
The book has been divided into 10 sections, each covering a particular musical style. Each section has examples listed in a carefully graded progressive format.
Here are a few ideas which are important:
- Play each example twenty times before progressing.
- Experiment with your own ideas as much as possible.
- Try to maintain a positive attitude. Anything is achievable.
- Be patient. Learning is a life long process and should not be limited to a specific period of time.
- Try playing different fills with different beats.
- Try to bring something of yourself into every musical situation.
- Have Fun – because that's really what it's all about!
