Paul Wandtke – Mixing 5 & 7

Hey Sick Drummers!

This lesson marks the final lesson of my six-lesson series with SD magazine and in it we are going to examine different ways of combining the two time-feels of 5 and 7.  I hope you have been following along in my lesson series because not only was the intention of my series to aid in understanding odd meters but it was also intended to help learn how to read basic drum set staff notation as every example corresponds to notated drum music. With the knowledge of rhythmic notation you can take your drumming to a whole new level and it’ll be more fun.

I hope you enjoy this final lesson and I hope to see you all soon in a future lesson series with SD Magazine and myself!

In this lesson we’ll examine playing 5 and 7 by using two and four bar phrases and also by mixing the denominator of 4 with the denominator of 8. (Please note that time signatures are not considered fractions and that I’m simply referencing the term “denominator” to the overall feel. For instance, 7/4 has a quarter note feel as opposed to 7/8 having an eighth note feel).

Mixing 5 & 7: Lesson #6

The following topics are covered in Parts 1, 2 and 3 of the pdf documents below:

1. Consecutive two bar phrases of 5/8 and 7/8 and the reverse
   
2. Consecutive four bar phrases of 7/8 and 5/8 and the reverse
   
3. Mixing 7/4 with 5/8 and mixing 5/4 with 7/8

Don’t Forget:

If you’re having trouble reading the notated examples please review my first lesson, “Reading Basics,” which can be found in the fifth issue of Sick Drummer. Also, you can hear the examples in the Sibelius Scorch player.

Please note: It’s always helpful to hire a local private drum teacher for extra help. For a complete list of drum instructors in your area, check out Vic Firth’s education team list at: http://www.vicfirth.com/education/edteam_roster.php

Hope to see you there!

 

Lesson Resources: