After we understand basic 1/4 notes and 1/8 notes is to put it together on the drum set. These exercises, which I have put together, are to be practiced playing the right side of the page first, which is written in eighths. You will notice that everything lands together, in unison or single strokes.
When the first exercise feels comfortable, move to the left side of the page. The same rhythm is written for the bass drum and snare, but the hi-hat part is now quarter notes. When you go to line 2 on the right side, you will find that the notes still line up in unison. When moving to the left side of line 2, you will find the third bass drum beat by itself between beats 3 and 4 on the hi-hat. You must count "1 - and - 2 - and - 3 - and - 4 and" thru all ten of these exercises. When you count this way, you will find notes played by the bass drum and snare lining up or in unison with your count.
Keep counting "1 - and - 2 - and - 3 - and - 4 and" when playing the quarter note side of the page, and you will notice the bass drum hitting on quarter notes and up - or in between eighths with your count. You must count... that means breathing with your rhythm. And, as we practice, you will become more comfortable. By "being comfortable," I mean really knowing what you play and how you are playing.
Let's start with just the hi-hat part, which is written on the top line. You will notice accent marks on what I call downbeats 1 2 3 4. These are to be played with a stronger hit, while the "ands" are played as taps. This is one way of organizing your hi-hat sound. Your hi-hat sound is determined by how hard you're pressing down on the pedal. Don not hit hard. Play the hi-hat.
The second space down on the music staff is the snare drum. It should be played in the center of the drum everytime for a consistent sound. If it is not focussed there, your sound will be inconsistent to your listening audience. The snare should be stronger in volume than the hi-hat.
The bass drum is noted on the bottom space of the staff, and should be played strong and with consistent velocity. If you push the pedal where you foot slides between the posts, you are choking your stroke and not using your ankle joint as you should.
When you can play exercise 2 smoothly, go back to exercise 1. Now play the ride cymbal with your right hand... same exercises but now play the hi-hat on beats 2 and 4. This is important to practice throughout all these exercises. It creates a pendulum feel of right/left or "tick, tock"... which is the feel of time that we drummers strive to create. He who dies with the most licks doesn't prove anything. The drummer who plays with the best time and feel will be remembered, and will be working for a long time.
None of this means anything unless you practice these rhythms until you can play them in any combination at will. None of us really ever gets to where we'd like to be, but we sure can improve along the way.
Practice!
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