Intermediate / Advanced Drum Set (Mini Book)

Book Pages

• 

  p.1 — Linear Drumming (A)

  Linear drumming gets its name because all of the drum strokes that are played can be written in a line. In other words, no two drums are played at the same time — only one drum at a time. This method can create some really great patterns that are unique and stand out.

• 

  p.2 — Linear Drumming (B)

  These linear grooves incorporate more sixteenth notes into the patterns. Remember that in a linear groove, only one drum (or cymbal) is hit at a time. Thinking of them in this way makes them easier to comprehend, but some of the patterns can be difficult to become comfortable with. Take it slow at first.

• 

  p.3 — Linear Drum Fills

  Linear drum fills move the strokes around the toms, snare, bass and cymbals to create unique sounding and impressive drum fills.

• 

  p.4 — Introduction to 12/8 Time

  In 12/8 time, there are 12 beats per measure. Eighth notes are counted the way quarter notes are counted in 4/4 time, meaning that each eighth note takes up a beat (i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12). Counting up to twelve can be a mouthful. So, many drummers count 12/8 as two bars of 6 (i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Some drummers prefer to count 12/8 as four sets of eighth note triplets (i.e. 1 trip let, 2 trip let, 3 trip let, 4 trip let) or (1 & a 2 & a 3 & a 4 & a).

• 

  p.5 — Introduction to the Famous Half-Time Shuffle

  The “Rosanna Shuffle” is arguably the most famous half-time shuffle amongst drummers. Jeff Porcaro played the drums for this famous shuffle on “Roxanne” by Toto. Another famous half-time shuffle is heard in the song “Fool in the Rain” by Led Zeppelin, played by John Bonham. A half-time groove shifts the backbeat from the usual beats “2” and “4” and instead plays them on beat “3.” This gives the groove the feeling of being played at half the time.

• 

  p.6 — Embellishing with the Ride Bell

  The ride bell is a great way to add another layer to your drum grooves. When playing the ride bell, many rock drummers use the shoulder of their stick to hit the bell of the ride, making it really stand out. In softer music, the tip of the stick can be used to hit the bell of the ride.

• 

  p.7 — Tom-Rock Beats

  So far, you’ve played beats with one stick keeping the beat on the hi-hat or ride cymbal. Tom beats use the toms to keep the beat instead of the cymbals.

• 

  p.8 — Intermediate / Advanced Drum Set Etudes

  These drum set etudes put together the skills you’ve played so far.

• 

  p.9 — Intermediate / Advanced Drum Set – Test Yourself

  Test the skills you’ve practiced so far with these two pieces. If you find yourself having trouble, revisit the earlier pages.