A few weeks ago I posted a clip that showed how to learn to play 3 vs 2. You can check that out here: How to Play 3 Against 2
After I published it, a lot of people asked me “what can you even use that for?”
Good question. This is actually the reason that I’m not a huge polyrhythm guy. Don’t get me wrong. I respect it. I understand the allure. But how many times does a gig call for using polyrhythms?
Not often.
But I did learn 3 against 2 for a reason. Most of the time I will only practice stuff I think I can actually use professionally. I will violate that policy only for ideas or drumming things that really excite me. If I have a passion about something, I will pursue it whether I think it will be useful or not. After all, drumming is art. And art requires freedom.
But I digress.
I learned 3 vs 2 specifically so I could use it in grooves, not really as a soloing device. In the video below, I explain and demonstrate.
I’ve written some exercises for developing the independence I use in the video. Check this out if you’re interested in pursuing this:
Eighth Note Cymbal vs Eighth Note Triplet Independence Part One
That’s all for now!
He first gained attention as one of the winners of Modern Drummer magazine's very first drum solo contest, judged by Rush's Neil Peart.
He's played with Oz Noy, Will Lee, Alison Krauss, Curtis Stigers, Emily Remler, Joel Hoekstra, GE Smith, Andy York, Marshall Crenshaw, Tony Shanahan, The Drifters, The Marvelettes, Big Brother and The Holding Company, and many other artists.
For more info: onlinesessiondrummer.com
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Very nice…usually people don’t give an example of how something can be used!
Hi Ray –
Thanks for commenting.
I’m glad you’re finding it helpful my friend!
Thanks for inviting me to your apartment back in high school so we could play drums together!
Regards,
Mark F