I've recently begun to start getting into jazz... I've seen a few videos etc and I think I've got the hang of the basic swing pattern on the ride, 2 & 4 w/foot on the hi hat and a very gentle bass drum on all quater notes... what bothers me is my left hand - I can't get those nice off beat notes. Can you recomend some practice for that? Thanks








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be funky!

Yes, because I have been working on this very issue for the past month. There is a must-have book called Syncopation, by Ted Reed. It is a snare book, but can be used for drum set in the following manner.

Play the Swing time with the RH, LF, RF. The standard Jazz Time. Now, take the patterns in the book, and play them on the left hand. Take them slow, because they can get tricky. If you like, I will make a video demonstrating. If you like.

Homki890








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I'd like to see that video








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Rhytm is a way to transmit a description of experience
in an emotional and not abstract way.
It is more than a metaphor:
It is a physical experience as real as any other.

I'd love to see the video, too!








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dim my eyes if they should compromise

+1

thanks for the advice... now I just got to get me a copy of 'Syncopation' and start working with it








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be funky!

Ok, since people have been asking, I'll make the video. I'll start....NOW!!

*goes to make movie*

Homki890








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Also check out "Progressive Independence" by Ron Spagnardi (RIP). Excellent book starting with the very basics of jazz and working your way up to incorporating all four limbs.








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Tama Rockstar Custom 10-Pc
Paiste and Sabian cymbals
Tama "RoadPro" Hardware
Axis "X" Longboard Pedals
Regal Tip "Jazz E" and Promark "Elvin Jones" and "747" Drumsticks
Regal Tip "Ed Thigpen" Brushes
Remo and Evans Drumheads

you may also want to get "the art of bop druming" by John Riley. Masterstudies and Masterstudies 2 by Joe Morello are both good books also

"Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer" book by Mr. Jim Chapin. This book was written over 50 years ago and is still a must have for every drummer.

one thing I do is to single out the snare hits alone...just hearing and playing the snare hits until they become comforitable to me then I add the rest..
Over and over work seems to help me..I have been working on stick tricks..The only way to get them consistently is to do thousands & thousands of them--while puting them in a groove! good luck!








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just another drummer who wants to become better,learn more and play more than most..
if you can help please do!!

I have been playing jazz music a lot in the past five years or so but I really didn't see that much of a change in my playing until I decided that I was willing to do whatever it was going to take to get me to the next level. Go get this book by Gary Chester called "The New Breed", the book is insane and I must warn you there were a few times when I was like screw this this is too hard and it ain't gonna help but keep on it brothas!! I was told about this book by my old drum teacher who was fortunate enough to play in a gig with DAVE WECKL and my teacher asked Dave what he was studying to stretch himself musically and this was the book that DAVE WECKL said to try. The book really has a high demand on your reading, coordination, time, feel while at the same time challenging you to be as creative as you can be (but the book wont do you much good if you can't read). My suggestion, learn to read first then get this book if you want to be a good jazz drummer.
Justino

I recommend finding a copy of the 4-2-1 Triplet Grid. It is a marching snare exercise. It will improve your syncopation like you could never imagine. It will help you understand swing, because everything in swing is a triplet feel. But the exercise is pretty hard, especially if you don't have marching experience.








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Phee
Fireflight
www.fireflightrock.com
www.myspace.com/fireflight

thanks for all your suggestions!








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be funky!

phee wrote:

I recommend finding a copy of the 4-2-1 Triplet Grid. It is a marching snare exercise. It will improve your syncopation like you could never imagine. It will help you understand swing, because everything in swing is a triplet feel. But the exercise is pretty hard, especially if you don't have marching experience.

I know this drill. I play it from time to time. It is quite tricky if one does not have stick control and some chops. I say, play a Shopping Spree set to Flam Accents for about 20 minutes. You will see some improvement, I guarentee it.

I am working on securing a camera I can use that I DON'T have to convert the movie files. The intention is there, just hang on, I'll get it out.

Homki890








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