Another real simple tweak to a basic right hand lead method used with Syncopation: adding a half time feel backbeat. We’ve been doing a lot with this lately, and it’s turning into a very robust system. We’re getting into some things we used to have to just figure out (or not) individually, in an unstructured way, in the practice room. I’ve added a Reed tweaks tag to give these small changes to existing systems their own category.
The right hand lead method, once again, is:
RH on cymbal + bass drum: play book rhythm
LH on snare drum: play spaces in book rhythm, to make a full measure of 8th notes
To give it a backbeat:
If there’s a snare drum on beat 3*, accent it.
If there’s a cym/BD on 3, substitute SD for BD, and accent it. Cymbal rhythm stays the same.
* – In cut time the beat is counted in 2, but I still count the actual rhythms in 4/4. The backbeat is on the cut time 2, or on beat 3 in 4/4.
Here’s how that works out interpreting some rhythms from pp. 34-45 in Syncopation:
Sorting out what to hit may be a little confusing at first, so keep the basic method as your point of reference. Sort it out by playing a two-measure phrase:
1st measure: regular RH lead / 2nd measure: RH lead w/backbeat
This creates a nice open environment for adding embellishments, which we’ll get into in the next post.
I am happy to help you with any of the materials on the site, and with anything else drumming related— contact me for private lessons, online world wide, or in person in Portland, Oregon. All levels of players, and all people, are welcome.
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