Drummers: Here’s How to Actually Use 3 Against 2

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!