I write about sounding different all the time. I’m always searching for drumming stuff that I’ve never heard before. Having your own unique voice is the holy grail for musicians. Sure, it’s great to copy your favorite players, but what didn’t they do? If you can find something that sounds cool that you don’t hear anyone playing, that’s a good sign you’re onto something.
And you don’t often hear cymbal patterns that go over the bar line. So, of course, when I first heard someone do this, I was excited by it. I heard Dave DiCenso playing the pattern we’re going to work on here several times. I know, I know, some of you are saying “stop talking about DiCenso already,” but Dave’s playing is so unique and so good! I’m always discovering new cool ideas by listening to him.
And this idea is a good one.
Last time, we began the work of developing independence with this “revolving” cymbal ostinato by playing eighth note drum beats against it. If you missed that post, here is a link to it: Advanced Drumming Independence: the “1e-a2-and-a” Cymbal Ostinato, Part One.
By the way, the cynbal pattern looks like this:
It’s a bit tricky because the pattern shifts every three beats, which is why it takes three measures of 4/4 time for it to resolve. But the weirdness is what makes it fun…
This time, we’re going to work on 16th notes. I’ve taken a bit of a Gary Chaffee approach in the method. The 16 exercises here are organized around every possible version of the 16th note grid, just like the “Fat Back” exercises in Chaffee’s “Patterns: Time Functioning” book. You can read more about that book and why I think it’s so important HERE.
So, without further adieu, here are two pages with 16 exercises of madness for you to try and challenge your independence skills: The 1e–a2–and–a–cymbal ostinato Part 2
Have fun! Let me know how it goes by commenting on this post.
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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I can’t read
Robbie – You have to learn to read! It will help you learn so much more efficiently. It’s crucial!
Awesome thanks for this!
Hey Simon! You’re welcome, man. Glad you dig it.
No video link? It helps.
Audio files help a lot. Sometimes they sound one way in my head, only to find out upon hearing it had a different flavor.
I agree. I’ll try to get that done soon.
Hi Ryan-
I know! I will get to it. I promise. Videos coming soon.
thank you so much Bang Drum !!! It’s a great exercises!!! in next days I try to play , me and my students!!! thank you so much!! Many Hugs!!! Viva la Musica !!!
You’re welcome!!
Agh this is challenging!! I started with a simple 1 & 3 in the kick to get me started and used to the ostinato pattern. Then 1& + 3& in the kick. Ok… got that down. Now for the 16ths in the kick! Aghhh!!! Haha.
Thanks for the challenge!!
Hi Simon —
Ha ha!! Yes! It’s a tricky one. I’m glad you like it. Have fun. It actually sounds good musically in the right situation.
–Mark F