Anatomy of a Drum Groove: Focus De-Mystified
By: Sean Reinert for Sick Drummer Magazine Issue #2
How Could I?
In this groove I have explored the idea of keeping an ostinato (repeating pattern) figure with the ride and hi hat foot while playing a linear counter rhythm with the left hand and kick. I would suggest getting comfortable playing the ride and hi hat pattern first by them selves (audio example #1).
Then learn the left hand and kick drum part by them selves (audio example #2). The easiest way I have found to combine the two is to play the ride and hi hat pattern, then one by one, slowly add in notes from the left hand/kick drum part.
Start playing the full groove (audio example #3) at a slow tempo and gradually increase. (good advice for learning any exercise!)
Audio Example 1: {play}HCI_hat_ride.mp3{/play}
Audio Example 2: {play}HCI_snare_tom_kick.mp3{/play}
Audio Example 3: {play}HCI_groove.mp3{/play}
Have fun and experiment with your own ostinatos and counter rhythms ~ Sean
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