Here is new idea that can be used as a drum fill, a way to spice up a groove, or as some soloing vocabulary. Do you remember Steve Gadd’s famous ratamacue fill? Well, if not, you can check it out on this worksheet I wrote about some of Gadd’s vocabulary called, “7 Gadd Licks.” You can read the full article at the link, but the rhythmic notation is here in this PDF:7 Gadd Licks PDF
Look at #4 on the Gadd licks PDF. That’s the ratamacue lick. It’s one that Steve plays a lot in solos. I’ve always loved that lick, but I stopped playing it and started searching for an alternative; something that had that flavor but belonged to me. Happily, a few weeks ago, I found my answer.
It has a similar flavor as Gadd’s ratamacue, but it is a 32nd note idea (Steve’s is a triplet based lick).
Here’s the PDF: Nasty Drum Lick 99
Let me give you a little run down of what’s on the PDF. There are eight exercises. The first three detail the “germs” of the idea: 3 versions of the lick that vary slightly. Then, #4 shows how you can play the idea continuously for a full measure. Examples 5 and 6 show you ways to just throw it into a groove. Number 7 shows you another idea for phrasing a bit differently. Finally, #8 gives you a way to combine #99 with the earlier Nasty Lick #98.
If you want to, you can check out more about #98 here: “Nasty Lick #98”
Alright. That’s all for now. Let me know what you think; comments and questions are always welcomed.
PS – Imagine that you could regularly get these Nasty Licks delivered to your email inbox every time we post one. Great drumming vocabulary to raise your drumming level–free. Go do it–just type your email addy into the form below, and click that button.
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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Let’s see video!!!
I know….I have to go make some videos for some of these…. Thanks for saying that!
Hi Mark,
Thanks for sharing nasty lick #99 I really enjoyed working on it. Look forward to the next one.
Take care,
Mike
You’re welcome, Mike. That’s why I do this….so you can have some cool new stuff to work on…. And I’m really happy that your enjoying the material. Much more to come…
MF
Hi Mark: I like that you “stopped” playing the Gadd lick as a ratamacue and made it your own. Steve’s is a classic, but everyone knows and plays it. It is very refreshing to get your “take” on it….I am also in favor of a video. I am so used to hearing Steve’s version. (was it on the Aja album?) that I cannot figure in my head how this is to sound.
Rock on!
Lisa
Hi Lisa-
Thanks for your thoughts. Yeah, I’ve decided not to play anyone else’s stuff at this point…part of the concept of trying to sound unique. In view of that goal, which I think is usually part of any serious Muscian’s concept, I try to find things that have a flavor reminiscent of the original.
And yes, you and a few other people have asked for video… I’ll get that to happen shortly….
MF