Lesson

  1. Module 5: Lesson 10

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    In the final lesson of the Module, Simon explains how to identify, read and count the most popular 16th note Triplet groupings. This is a new study area, and while these fills may not be as prominent as regular 8th and 16th note options, they are essential to know, a lot of fun to play, and even more fun to orchestrate. While the video breaks down the three most popular groupings, the secret sauce here is in the audio file… Read More

  2. Module 5: Lesson 9

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    With so many popular songs written with triplet-based drum beats, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of this style. Examining the form, counting, and sticking behind both closed and open 8th note triplet beats, Simon demonstrates five popular variations in this video lesson. The audio files below give you ten more challenging beats using the same hand patterns but different bass drum scenarios. You should watch Module 1 – Notation 10 (An Introduction to 8th note Triplets) and Module… Read More

  3. Module 5: Lesson 7

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    Swinging a 16th note groove is a milestone in learning to play the drums. After a quick introduction using only the hi-hats, Simon demonstrates four popular 16th note hi-hat groupings that will get you in the flow. We keep the bass drum simple in the video to focus on the swinging hi-hats. The extra audio files will push your coordination to the next level with some more challenging bass drum parts.

  4. Module 5: Lesson 6

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    Now you have the basic concept down; it’s time to throw in some 16th note bass drum. We ease you in with five video examples, and you’ll find the ten audio files below challenging and fun as the complexity of the grooves get interesting! Once you’ve got this feel down, you’ll want to play it all the time! Some patience and practice will be needed to get to the reward! You can do it!

  5. Module 5: Lesson 5

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    Simon discusses what makes a regular 8th note groove straight or swung for the first time. It’s a critical part of your musical awareness, as songs from just about every genre of music can have this subtle but very cool nuance. It isn’t easy to play along to a song with a swung feel if you can’t differentiate it from a straight feel. This video is essential viewing on the journey to make you a well-rounded musical drummer. The extra… Read More

  6. Module 5: Lesson 3

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    Sometimes the tempo of the song dictates that we have to play faster. Closed sticking can have its limitations at higher tempos, and that’s when open sticking becomes your new best friend. In this lesson, we take the popular 16th note hi-hat groupings from Lesson 2 and approach them differently. The additional audio files below feature ten more examples and show you how simple bass drum lines can work perfectly with these groupings while still being challenging and fun to… Read More

  7. Module 5: Lesson 2

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    Throughout our previous Modules, you have seen many examples of 8th note and 16th note grooves – the very foundation of countless songs. We will add popular 16th note groupings to the hi-hats for the first time to give you some more musical ideas. We’ve intentionally kept the bass drum simple and consistent in the video examples. Still, we have added ten additional audio files that will push you a little further and challenge your new coordination!

  8. Module 5: Lesson 8

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    It’s essential that, as musical drummers, we understand what a basic jazz beat is. We can’t master this genre in one video, but we can have a set of essential tools to get us through a situation where a jazz beat is needed. Even if you are not a fan of jazz, don’t miss this video because it will test your four-way coordination in new, fun, and exciting ways, aside from learning basic practical beats. This video starts with two… Read More

  9. Module 5: Lesson 4

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    In this lesson, we say hello to our old friend, the rudimental drag. Having learned about them in this Special Feature Video, we have previously seen how to apply them musically to drum fills. The groove kicks into a higher gear as we add this skill to our 8th note beats. Used commonly in just about every genre of music, these beats are stylish, sophisticated, and initially challenging. Once you’ve got to grips with the funky five in the video,… Read More

  10. Module 5: Lesson 1

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    After a quick chat on the goals of Module 5, we get straight into a new style. Simon introduces you to the upbeat hi-hat groove in this first lesson! Although these beats have a distinctively funky feel, they are used in many genres of music. After a quick warm-up exercise, we jump into five examples to explain the basic concept. Then, once you have mastered the video lesson, the additional ten audio file exercises throw in some old familiars; 16th… Read More