“Pattern Control” is a concept that I’ve been into for a while. When I take an idea and write it out continuously until it resolves back to the beginning of the pattern, I learn a lot about how to best use it.
Looking at drumming ideas in this way has become an important part of how I work on new vocabulary and integrate it into my playing.
This time, we’re going to further explore an idea I first wrote about in “Nasty Lick #108,” which is simply a five note pattern where the hands play three notes and the feet play two. I love how this pattern sounds as 32nd notes, and really like the orchestrations in “Nasty Lick “108.”
Here is the PDF: Pattern Control: 3 Up/2 Down as 32nd Notes
So, how do you use this information? Look at the PDF and simply choose the phrases that you like and that you think will be the most useful in your playing. Mess around with the sticking ideas (bottom of the PDF) and try different orchestrations. Work on being able to play this material while counting the sixteenth note grid beneath it. Try playing quarter notes on the hi-hat with your left foot while playing the pattern. Play the bass drum part with double bass or split the two notes up between your hi hat and bass drum. Write your own pattern control sheet only use 16th note triplets as the grid.
Etc…Dig in!! Experiment. Let me know what you find…
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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Mark: This concept you write about is a wonderful way to build a drum vocabulary. (that is what you call it in our lessons) Building a vocabulary is something that I have struggled with over the years. I think it would be great if you were able to develop the vocabulary building philosophy with other examples and maybe make it into a study series? I would be interested to see if other drummers struggle the same way I do in developing ideas and if other drummers would also like to see a series on this concept.
All the best to you Mark. Your material is always very thought-provoking.
Hi Lisa –
Thanks for your comment. Funny that you should suggest this….. I don’t want to give it all away, but… your wish is my command!!! And thank you for your kind words.
Regards,
Mark FG