Online drum lessons 2012 – editor’s picks
Posted on Dec 31, 2012 in Guides and Resources
Traditionally at this time of year we review our picks of free online drum lessons. These are some of best bits from the drumming archives: Popular topics in 2012 Most viewed topic: Practice Routine Topic with most social shares: Drum Techniques Most commented topic: Beginners Review of the year Besides our one-to-one lessons at our London studios we have been leading workshops, running events...
Read MoreA to Z of drumming definitions
Posted on Dec 19, 2012 in Guides and Resources
Some of the most commonly misinterpreted drumming terms are covered in this mini-dictionary of drumming definitions. We’ve chosen one drumming-related word for each letter of the alphabet for this drumming dictionary. Learn these if you’re starting out on drums to help get a head-start in some of the more tricky terms and definitions you’ll come across as a...
Read MoreTriceratops Groove
Posted on Dec 11, 2012 in Creative Concepts
This groove is based on the “Triceratops Triplets” idea we covered in the previous article. See the original post on Triceratops Triplets to get familiar with these. If you’ve followed through the previous post, the result is a pattern using three limbs playing on three overlapping parts of a group of three notes. Try other combinations by assigning the parts differently. Get...
Read MoreTriceratops Triplets
Posted on Dec 6, 2012 in Creative Concepts
This is a ‘dinosaur’ of a challenge based around groups of 3 notes, hence the name Triceratops Triplets. It is deceptively simple when broken down into its component pieces, but as these components get layered the challenge develops some interesting properties. Try this out first of all by just reading the instructions and ignoring the notation. The notation has been included to...
Read MoreSpicing up Paradiddles
Posted on Oct 19, 2012 in Creative Concepts
Paradiddles can add a fun and unique sound to your drumming. We’re going to explore how to spice up paradiddles and move them from the practice pad onto the drum kit. A paradiddle is two single strokes then a double stroke. When paradiddles are played after each other, the first note of each paradiddle alternates between left and right. Read more about the basics of paradiddles in...
Read MoreTeaser: Bo Diddley Diddles
Posted on Jul 21, 2012 in Creative Concepts
A technical teaser with a creative twist for you this time… We’re going to combine the Bo Diddley rhythm with paradiddles – to give us “Bo Diddley Diddles”. First things first If you’ve never encountered the Bo Diddley rhythm or you’re unsure what paradiddles are, let’s give a bit of background. We covered paradiddles in a previous article –...
Read MoreRecipe for a healthy drumming practice diet
Posted on Mar 7, 2012 in Guides and Resources
There is no universally correct method for how you should practise drums – some things will work better for some, whilst other things will work better for others. That said, there are a few basic principles that you can follow to get the most out of your time practising drums. Think of your drumming practice in the same way as having a healthy balanced diet of food. We know that having a...
Read MoreBOGOF Double Strokes
Posted on Feb 27, 2012 in Creative Concepts
A method for playing better double strokes Continuing our series of articles about drum rudiments, today we’re going to apply an interesting creative twist to the double stroke. We often get asked about technique and control, especially when it concerns playing smooth and consistent rolls. Every drummer learns about the double stroke roll early on in their drum studies but mastering this...
Read MorePlaying grooves using triplets
Posted on Jul 20, 2011 in Creative Concepts
Triplets are groups of 3 notes. They are used in many different forms of drumming, whether constructing drum fills, solos or grooves. In this article we’re going to look at using triplets to construct a groove. Andy Burt gives us an introduction to triplets and how to count, play and apply them in a groove context. The Triplet Feel Sometimes referred to as 6:8 or 12:8 Blues, or even the 6...
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