Different Beats
This Lesson gets away from the "traditional" rhythms. Some situations require a rock rhythm with a half feel, or a Latin rhythm with a triplet feel, or a slow samba with a rock beat etc., etc.
You may feel confident that these rhythms are most useful, particularly in "awkward" situations, when trying to come up with a beat to fit a certain "feel". These beats have been accumulated over many years out of necessity sometimes, but rest assured they are very useable.
Listen very closely to the cassette for various tempo changes, as this affects the rhythm dramatically and makes the beat even more versatile.
The two exercises below can be played as a medium mambo, or a fast samba in cut common time.
Right Hand on Bell of Cymbal or Cowbell.
This beat is effective as a Latin triplet feel - (Right Hand on Bell of Cymbal or Cowbell).
This beat is a rock beat, with the Ritht Hand playing a mambo. (Right Hand on Bell of Cymbal or Cowbell).
Here’s another - (Right Hand on Bell of Cymbal or Cowbell).
Try these two patterns as a slow rock or "half feel". Right Hand plays Hi - Hat.
Then join them together, and play as a two bar pattern.
Here’s another -
More of the same, but this time Right Hand plays straight eighth notes.
In Exercises 504 and 505 below, the Right Hand is played with stick on Snare or Small Tom, hitting the rim and drum at the same time, as a rim shot.
The Left Hand uses a wire brush, also on the Snare. Bass Drum an Hi -Hat keep a steady two beats per bar, this is a medium to fast samba rhythm. The Right Hand can also be used on Cowbell.
* Note the wire brush pattern throughout:
Similar Pattern, except the Right Hand varies slightly.
