Nasty Drum Licks #87 and #88 : More RLF as 32nd notes

Nasty Licks #87 and #88 are variations on a theme: 32nd notes using the three note grouping, RLF.

Have a look at the notation on the left. Do you see how this way of using the pattern, FRLFRLFRL, is kind of like a 9 stroke roll between your limbs? It’s a nine note grouping. The first and last notes of the pattern both fall on the quarter note. This means that it’s easy for that last left hand note to be your backbeat. And that’s exactly what I do most frequently with this idea. If you’re confused about how “RLF” is part of this pattern, just remove the first “F” from FRLFRLFRL and you’ll see that the pattern is, in fact, “RLF.” (further, FRL and RLF are actually the same pattern!)

OK, sorry about all those semantics. Now back to the story… The essence of #88 is to use the pattern within a groove and land on the backbeat with the last left hand note. You’ll see me doing this throughout the video.

Nasty Lick #87, which begins the video, adds another pattern on the snare drum, LRLLRRLL. Don’t worry if this sounds confusing. After you check out the video and the PDF, it will all make sense.

Have a look at the video below. The pattern I play at the beginning is #87. I repeat that 3 times. Once I start playing the groove, I keep throwing in #88 in different places, but always maintaining the groove.

Here’s the video:

The PDF, which you can download HERE, gives you a transcription of the first 7 bars of the video, and that’s all you’ll need in order to learn these two monster licks. Stickings and rhythmic notation are all there for you.

 

 

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