The Bossa Nova
This rhythm would be one of the most difficult of the Latin American rhythms. This is due to the snare drum and bass drum playing syncopated notes in varying places, while the hi-hat pattern, closing with the left foot, is constant (being played on beats 2 & 4). First play the cymbal pattern and snare together and then, once you have the feel, add the bass drum; and then finally the hi-hat.
The Fast Samba
This rhythm is, as the name suggests, played fairly briskly. It covers two bars and the tom-tom notes are all played with the right hand.
The Slow Rhumba
This rhythm is given its feel by the bass drum being played on the first, third and fourth beats only.
Clave Rhythm
This rhythm can be played on a cowbell, woodblock, musted snare (snare wires off) or any other percussion instrument, with the rhythm very often being played over the top of the other drums.
The curved line in the first bar of the above exercise is called a TIE. It indicates that the value of the second note is added to that of the first note. The second note is note played. Ties should not be confused with slur lines (As Introduced in Lesson 24) which indicate that a group of notes are to be played smoothly (e.g., in a roll).
