LESSON 5 PART 3

Adding The Left Hand

In the jazz style, the left hand (right hand for those who play a left-handed drumset) compliments the ride pattern but shouldn't get in the way. It is common to hear an inexperienced player hitting the snare on 2 & 4 as in the rock style. This is alright in the beginning while still working on timekeeping. Once the hi-hat and ride cymbal become automatic, consider the left hand an independent voice. Spend some time listening to the way piano and guitar players play chord changes. They use syncopation, meaning to begin on an unaccented beat and continuing through the next accented beat. The left hand should be able to improvise in a syncopated manner without interrupting the time.

Syncopation Example

[Sync 1]

[Drumkey]

The following examples demonstrate basic eighth note triplet ideas between the ride cymbal and the snare drum. The hi-hat maintains a steady "chick" sound on beats 2 & 4. In addition to playing accurate rhythm, we have to make these patterns swing. That is, not feel or sound stiff and mechanical. The triplet should have a loose, round, rolling feel to it. Practice with a metronome set to 60 beats per minute. Eventually, all speeds should be mastered.

Ex. #1

Ex. #2

Ex. #3

Ex. #4

**Adrums Menu**
Welcome Page	Send mail to adrums@aol.com	Closed For Repairs
Lesson 1 Part 1 - The Ready Position	Lesson 1 Part 2 - The Free Rebound Stroke	Lesson1 Part 3 - What's a Metronome?
Lesson 2 Part 1 - Notating Rhythm	Lesson 2 Part 2 - Realizing Rhythmic Ideas	Lesson 2 Part 3 - Tuning The Drumset
Lesson 3 Part 1 - More Rhythmic Ideas	Lesson 3 Part 2 - Rock Beats	Lesson 3 Part 3 - Motown Beats
Lesson 4 Part 1 - Fills	Lesson 4 Part 2 - Repeat Signs	Lesson 4 Part 3 - Beats & Fills
Lesson 5 Part 1 - Jazz Ride Pattern #1-8	Lesson 5 Part 2 - Jazz Ride Pattern #9-16	Lesson 5 Part 3 - Adding The Left Hand

Last Update 1/23/00
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