The DrumMantra Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rich Stitzel
***Named one of "The 20 Best Music Theory Podcasts of 2021" by Welp Magazine.
*** Named "#4 of Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021" by Feedspot
***Named "Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts You Must Follow in 2020" by FeedSpot
***Named one of "The 11 Best Podcasts for Exploring Music Theory Concepts on the Go in 2019" by Soundfly.
The DrumMantra Podcast is all about going deeper with your practice in music & drumming.
The goal is to advance the listener's confidence, insight, and inspiration through discussions on topics like approaches to practice, rhythmic concepts, technique, theory, creativity, gear, and the music business.
The host, Rich Stitzel, is a veteran drummer, author, and educator with over 30 years of professional experience as a full-time musician.
In this episode, Rich was a guest on the Drum Brigade Podcast with Korey Kingston and Phil Pardell. They had a lot of fun, but also got very deep on a few topics including teaching concepts and philosophy, blowing chops, knowing what you want, and more!
Enjoy!
In this episode, I break down a complex fill performed by the great Dan Weiss into 12 exercises that, when mastered, will help you understand and execute this type of fill concept with more ease.
If you are new to DrumMantra and would like to check out a free masterclass, please visit DrumMantra.com to watch.
This episode is a replay of an interview I did on Austin Koziol's In The Groove Podcast. We talk about bringing ideas to reality, the importance of presence, my Drummantra philosophy and practice system, and so much more.
We are all captivated by our thoughts. We are all challenged by our own debilitating beliefs.
We want things to be perfect, we want to know the end before we begin, we don't want to be wrong, we don't want to make mistakes, we want to know the reward for the work.
The time to begin is now because now is all we have.
We practice our drum lesson because we are practicing our drum lesson. Period. We are not trying to become something. We just are in the moment. Practicing. A lot of beauty arises when we are in the moment. A lot of inspiration appears. Sometimes the inspiration is overwhelming, and it moves us to create. In those moments of creation, honor it with a lightness of thought. Try to be the observer of your creativity why you are also the creator.
Today we play an exercise designed to deepen your concentration.
Tom Grooves are super-cool and can give an immediate energy lift to a song. Here I demonstrate and discuss 9 different tom grooves that will hopefully inspire you to get to the practice room and start working on your own!
Have fun and thanks for the lesson request, Tiffany!
Do you feel like your practice sessions aren't focused, inefficient, and unfocused?
Do you feel like you never get as much done as you'd hoped?
The secret to practice isn't WHAT you are working on, but HOW you are working on it.
Make sure to check out the free DrumMantra Masterclass "5 Exercises Guaranteed to Make You a Better Drummer" at DrumMantra.com!
Are you being hired to do recording sessions? Are you doing drums AND percussion? Sometimes we tend to treat percussion as a smaller overall aspect of the session even though it can sometimes take up to 10x longer to do.
Also, make sure you register for the May 31 Masters Session I am hosting with special guest Jonathan Collin Greene!
Linear phrasing is a great vehicle for expressing yourself musically and rhythmically behind the kit. Let's start off with some simple phrasing concepts and isolate the voicings to two instruments to really challenge your creativity.
We will also add in some coordination for good measure:-)
Don't forget to join us for the DrumMantra intensive on Saturday, May 9 at 11am-3pm CST!
More info here: https://www.drummantra.com/intensive
Finding peace is finding peace of mind. Most of the torment, tension, and trials stem from our thoughts. Thoughts that aren't necessarily grounded in reality.
How do we find peace? How do we find creativity? How do we sustain ourselves in this trying time?
I suggest we look inward and learn to ground ourselves in the present moment.
So many people that I speak with say they are so excited to present their ideas to the world, and they will start as soon as they have a few more things in order. Then they proceed to present a list that is so long and detailed that I know it will never happen.
Start now in the messiness of your creativity! Don't wait until things are perfect. You will grow as you go. Just get started!
Most drummers I recently surveyed said they didn't have a clear, concise, and organized practice routine. They also said that when they are in the practice room they have a hard time staying focused and concentration.
We need to look at practice from a mental perspective as much as an actual drumming perspective.
Join me in my new free master class called "5 Exercises Guaranteed to Make You a Better Drummer".
Just click on the link below:
https://www.drummantra.com/masterclass-invitation
Seamus Evely is one of the most driven, hard-working, passionate, selfless dudes on the planet. He follows his heart and gives 100% to his endeavors.
I was able to have Seamus speak to a virtual room full of drummers and other instrumentalists about what it takes to build a successful podcast.
We have all been hit with quite a blow. And when I say all, I mean the entire planet. Musicians are out of work. Schools are closed. Restaurants and bars are closed in many places around the country. Grocery stores are empty in preparation for a potential quarantine or lockdown to try to transcend this pandemic called Covid-19.
I give a few tips on what I'm doing.
DrumMantra Podcast was named "Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts in 2020" by Feedspot
We all get stressed about things. Especially things that are last minute, or just around the corner from happening. One great way to deal with stress is to be prepared for whatever it is you are about to do. But not all preparation is created equal.
DrumMantra Podcast was named "Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts in 2020" by Feedspot
I have been creating and playing games with students for over 20 years, and this particular one has been a huge hit regardless of the level of the player.
The best part of this game is its a blast to play it with another drummer.
I call the game Simon and you can join in on the drumming action in this real-time lesson on creating phrases and fills.
You are invited to watch the FREE masterclass at DrumMantra.com
DrumMantra Podcast was named "Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts in 2020" by Feedspot
Sometimes we get frustrated because all we do is practice and we really want to be playing gigs.
Sometimes we are playing so many gigs that we don't have time to practice.
Is there a middle ground?
Can we figure out a way to benefit from everything we do regardless of what it is?
What is Practice? Everything is Practice.
Let's investigate.
DrumMantra Podcast was named "Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts in 2020" by Feedspot
In this episode, we look at the 1 to 8 to 1 polymetric time table as a hand warm-up, but then we add a couple of different foot ostinatos to crank up the coordination game a little.
Please enjoy!
DrumMantra Podcast was named "Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts in 2020" by Feedspot
Principal Percussionist of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Josh Jones, was trained from an early age to be one of the greatest percussionists in the world.
He is a dedicated practitioner and an extremely thoughtful, intentional musician.
We discuss some very deep and insightful topics in this excellent conversation.
DrumMantra Podcast was named "Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts in 2020" by Feedspot
In part 2 of this series on the rhythm of the Toronto Airport, more commonly known as YYZ (and more popularly known as the intro to the iconic tune from Rush's Moving Pictures album, also called YYZ.)
I hope you enjoy my tribute to Mr. Neil Peart.
DrumMantra Podcast was named "Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts in 2020" by Feedspot
In honor of the great Neil Peart, I present to you Part 1 of a two-part series of coordination based on the iconic intro to the famed song, YYZ by Rush (which happens to be the Morse Code for the Toronto Airport!).
DrumMantra Podcast was named "Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts in 2020" by Feedspot
In honor of the great Neil Peart, I put together a lesson pack that is based on the intro to Rush's epic song, YYZ, from their album Moving Pictures. The rhythm to the intro is morse code for the Toronto Airport.
Please pardon the unexpected emotional response to the untimely passing of Neil on January 7, 2020. He was an inspiration to countless drummers from around the world. Regardless of genre, all drummers knew, loved, and respected Neil. He part on Tom Sawyer was the very first song I learned on drums and he was without a doubt the biggest inspiration and reason for me becoming a professional musician.
This video is the Lesson of the Month at DrumMantra.com and can be seen & heard there, as well as the 25 streaming audio play-alongs, and the downloadable/printable pdf.
Learn more about the Lesson of the Month Club & the DrumMantra membership: https://www.drummantra.com/pricing
DrumMantra Podcast was named "Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts in 2020" by Feedspot
The great Mark Walker visited DrumMantra Studios for a podcast interview and when I asked him for three grooves everyone should know, we filmed and recorded an impromptu drum lesson.
Enjoy Mark as he demonstrates & explains a ton of great information.
In this episode, I discuss my takeaways from the time I spent with Mark Walker last week. I take a look at what it's like to marvel at another's playing up close, what it feels like to be intimidated by it, and what I am doing to find common ground by building a bridge.
One of the greatest drummers in the world stopped by DrumMantra studios during a visit to Chicago. What started out as an afternoon podcast recording turned into an epic 4-day hang. Here is some of the footage from that hang & conversation.
The 6th Century B.C. sage, Lao Tzu wrote a series of verses known as the Tao Te Ching. This book of wisdom is just as relevant today as it was 2500 years ago, and we can use his ideas to help us with how we practice, play, and interact with others.
The mind can play tricks on us. It will make us believe we aren't doing what we are, and are doing what we're not.
Thinking is like a muscle - it must be developed and trained.
Breathing is involuntary but is also voluntary, and thus must also be trained.
Creativity comes from within, and we access it through our ability to be present.
Uh oh. I forgot to talk about drums...
All of us do it. We wait for the inspiration to hit before we make a move. This of course only works some of the time. What do we do when we aren't inspired? Usually, we make excuses or claim it's "meant to be" that practice doesn't happen today".
Building a habit requires concentration, discipline, and patience. These are developed through perseverance.
This month's featured lesson on my educational site, DrumMantra.com, is now up.
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This is an 18-part series in 7/8 time with a dotted eighth ostinato and twelve different ride permutations. It is loosely inspired by Vinnie Colaiuta's drumming on Sting's Ten Summoner's Tales album.
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I wish them all good luck!
In this episode, we look at nervousness that can cause stage fright and then do a deep dive into eight ways to find balance and transcend your fears.
Swiss drummer Lukas Landis is a great player, an educator, and a really cool guy.
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He was a test pilot for the DrumMantra3030 course and helped shaped it before it was released to the public.
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The other day Lukas posted a modification for Rhythmic Melodies in the Foundational Series so I decided to make it a new audio download for the book and do a podcast interview with him.
Knowing how to connect your external experience to your internal development is one of the best ways to discovering and developing your own voice.
It's all about intention, awareness, and a deeper understanding of the inspiration/preparation/presentation process.
Getting to the practice room is hard enough. Knowing what to work on is sometimes equally as challenging, and having the discipline, patience, and focus is sometimes nearly impossible.
In this episode, I give you 5 steps to organize your practice into an experience that is effective and successful.
I just came across a little monologue I created for a video that I posted on youtube a couple of years ago.
I am not a political person.
I try to be as compassionate and empathetic as I can remember to be.
Peace.
In this, the 50th episode, I present two sections of a brand-new five-part series called "Two-Way Coordination: A Primer". The goal of these exercises is to train the mind & body to pay attention to several things at once - the coordination, the relaxation, the focus, knowing where you are in the measure, the comfort, and the sound quality. We cover the 3:4 and the 5:4 polymetric relationships as well.
Give it a listen, and then give it a try!
Steve Lyman is an amazing human. He is extremely dedicated to his craft and is driven by creativity, inspiration, and pushing the limits of his comfort zone.
Steve was in town to hang with Smashing Pumpkins' drummer Jimmy Chamberlain for a few days and stopped by the DrumMantra Studio for coffee, breakfast, and nice conversation on his way to the airport.
We talked about practice, meditation, creativity, discipline, drive, ego, and more.
Polymeter is becoming a buzzword, which is awesome! Polymeters are often confused for polyrhythms, which is not awesome.
This episode goes IN-DEPTH with the features of polymeters, polymetric coordination, and polymetric relationships
There are many varieties of recording sessions.
- Playing in your own band.
- Being hired to play with a band.
- Being hired to play on an artist's record with other session players.
- Being hired to put tracks on a session from your home studio.
- More...
Hear Rich's reflections on his personal experience in the recording world over the past 25 years.
In this episode, Rich gives an overview of the features and highlights of the course that has made its way into the practice rooms of drummers in nearly 40 countries around the world.
This course started out as a drumming course but grew into a community of drummers all over the world.
This is a complete lesson on the 1-8 polymetric time table over groupings of three.
For the pdf of this exercise, please visit DrumMantra.com/45
In this episode of "driving to my gig and talking about stuff" I compare the first part of my music career as a band person to the second part of my career as a professional musician.
In this episode, I discuss the 3:4 polymetric relationship, the difference between a polyrhythm and a polymeter, and some other deep intellectual stuff...
Enjoy!
In this episode I just straight into presenting, discussing, analyzing, and demonstrating the 5:4 polymeter as used in a brand new exercise from my book, The Foundational Series.
This advanced modification to Rhythmic Melodies Section III will dismantle your neural net and replace it with a new shiny mapping, but not without first turning your brain into oatmeal:-)
In this episode I reflect on some gigs, and a recording session I just did. I also talk a little bit about the music industry from the perspective that most people don’t think about much. Then things turn a little philosophical as I reflect on social media And the creative expressions of all people.
In this episode, I talk about seeing the light on some aspects of the DrumMantra exercises and how that insight applies to the development of a more focused mind.
In this episode, I reflect on the last couple weeks of my life, and then the philosopher in me took over. Maybe it’s that I was driving home from a gig late at night and needed something to keep me awake, but I think some good things came in the process.
In this episode, I talk about my day and the challenges I had to overcome in order to face the day's events.
Stepping outside of my comfort zone into the unknown is how I grow.
It's scary. It's hard. But when we are able t transcend our own definition of ourselves, the paradigm shifts and we evolve.
How do you maintain high energy, focus, and drive but also remain patient?
In this episode, I recap the last two weeks of craziness and then reflect on a concept that I feel is very important in developing a strong foundation in any discipline. Longevity requires hard work, intense enthusiasm, and patience.
Drummer in car getting philosophical...
The art of practice is something that has challenged people forever. How long do you practice something? What do you practice?
In this episode, I talk a little about my most recent practice regimen in hopes of shedding light on how I do it.
In this episode of “drummer in a car getting philosophical”, I talk about turning ideas into actual things. How to find your own voice and your true passion by focusing your creative ideas into projects.
In this episode, I talk about my experience with practicing an exercise every day for 6 weeks before getting it right.
Success comes from absolute focus and dedication. The only short-cut is starting today instead of waiting until the time is right.
Once you know what you want to achieve or experience, you must fully dedicate yourself to taking the necessary steps towards the goal with full commitment, focused effort, and massive discipline.
This exercise is very simple to look at, talk about, and even imagine, but when you actually sit down and try it, it can trip up even the most experienced players.
This exercise is filed under a category I like to call "Rhythmic Perception" because I believe the at the majority of the challenge comes from our mental perception rather than our coordination.
I hope you enjoy!
I had a conversation today with a musician who is new in town. We discussed getting paid for a recording session and the smartest way to "play the game" while building new relationships and a new network in a new town.
These concepts apply to musicians who are young or new as well.
In this episode, I talk a little about my upcoming course called The DrumMantra 3030 and the development of the material.
I also discuss the concepts of creating a new reality by paying attention to your thoughts.
I walk around Whole Foods shopping and talking about how to quickly improve a jazz combo’s feel, groove, pocket, etc.
In this episode, I talk about self-doubt, being authentic, having a real practice regimen, building confidence, and getting over other mental obstacles.
In this episode, I attempt to discuss techniques for developing a stronger skill for reading rhythms. (It's a little trick to talk about something visual without having anything to look at...)
Please feel free to reach out to me on DM on insta, fb, or through my website - RichStitzelMusic.com if you have any questions or would like to further your study in a more focused way.
I had an amazing time at Denver Percussion doing a clinic back in January. I found a clip of some of the speaking portion that I thought was fun and wanted to share it.
Big Thanks to Low Boy Beaters for helping out so much at this clinic and providing some amazing giveaways as well: A&F Drum Co., Craviotto Drum Co., Sabian Cymbals Vic Firth Evans Polynome App.
I jump back in after a few months off (which flew by so fast!).
I wanted to give a quick overview of some of the things I’ve been up to and give a shout out to some folks who have reached out to me recently regarding an Instagram post about reading music.
Thanks for listening. As always, please write me on Instagram or Facebook if you ever have any questions!
The second book in the DrumMantra repertoire picks up where book one, The Foundational Series, ends.
We will venture into the first section of The Primary Series in this episode including listening to two entire play-alongs from the book.
If you are ready to go deeper with your practice, The DrumMantra will take you there.
Both books are available at:
https://richstitzelmusic.com/products/theprimaryseries
Carter McLean is probably best known for his meticulous photos and super groovy videos that he posts on Instagram, Facebook, and youtube. The buzz around his social media is huge and with great reason. He is slamming!
No-nonsense, simple, and all about the music. This is definitely Carter's mantra and the key to his success.
His "day gig" is drumming for the Broadway Hit, The Lion King.
He is currently on a west coast tour with 8 string guitar wonder, Charlie Hunter.
Enjoy this in-depth talk with one of today's most popular drummers!
This episode is real life.
I am rushing around like crazy, on my way to the third gig of the day.
I talk about the life of a professional musician.
I talk about my new book, The Primary Series, as well as my first book, The Foundational Series.
I talk about how The DrumMantra concept came into being.
I inform everyone on who my next guest on the podcast will be.
Have a great week!
A conversation with LA session & touring drummer, Blair Sinta (Alanis Morissette, Melissa Etheridge, Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, etc)
Part 1 of the conversation was more of a casual discussion about growing up, school, playing gigs, building a social media presence for professional purposes, and other chill topics.
Blair was nominated in the 2018 Modern Drummer Reader's Poll for best session drummer alongside Jay Bellerose, Matt Chamberlain, Steve Jordan, and Miles McPherson.
Hello, my friends!
This week I wanted to share the audio from a recent lesson pack at RichStitzelMusic.com called "Left Foot Independence".
Gaining control over all the limbs is a great way to increase your ability to express yourself musically.
These exercises are centered around a GROOVEso they are practical steps towards expanding your vocabulary.
If you enjoy the lesson and would like access to the video, pdf, and mp3 play-alongs, you can find this and many other unique, creative, and insightful lessons at RichStitzelMusic.com
This episode was based on a random Instagram post that Ari made, challenging people to transcribe what he was playing.
We discuss the transcription in great detail.
We discuss hearing phrases.
We discuss practicing.
We discuss developing a complex rhythmic vocabulary.
In this episode we discuss the main differences between polymeters and polyrhythms; their differences and their similarities.
We take an in-depth look at the 3:4 polymetric relationship and the four perspectives with which it can be viewed.
We also take a listen to the four perspectives of the 5:4 polymetric relationship.
There are audio examples of all the descriptions, and I highly recommend practicing the examples.
I mention the lesson pack that goes into great depth on this topic, including 9 videos, multiple PDF's, and audio play-alongs. That series is called "Rhythmic Perception: A Primer", and is available HERE.
I also remind everyone that the Pre-Sale for the Primary Series Book is happening NOW until midnight on November 11, 2017.
You can check the book out HERE.
In this episode I discuss:
Finding a balance between doing nothing and being a workaholic.
Discovering, cultivating, and honing your passion.
Truly understanding the value of the saying "it's about the journey, not the destination."
The benefits of meditation and how to do it. (at least how I do it...)
In this episode, I give you access to a page from The Foundational Series Book and take you through a 5-minute practice routine.
The practice is accompanied by a play-along that was composed for the book (which I explain in great detail)
I discuss, practice methods, meditation, subdivisions & permutations.
I answer a question from Gary in The United Kingdom about confidence without the click by internalizing the pulse.
I talk about the soon to be released Primary Series Book.
In this episode, I discuss finding inspiration from your community of drummers on social media and take it a step further to actually practicing what you are seeing rather than just scrolling.
I mention drummers Carter McClean, Johnny Mather (Yoni Madar), Joe Crabtree, Henry Cole, Brad Schleuter, and Nate Coon.
In this episode I reflect a bit on writing the Primary Series Book, which is book 2 in the DrumMantra Collection.
I explain native & non-native expressions of a polymeter and describe how they are used in the book.
I demonstrate an exercise by playing a quick midi file of one of the Rhythmic Melodies in section IIA.
Pre-sale is happening now for the Primary Series Book!
20% off the book AND you receive a $10 voucher to use towards a lesson pack at RichStitzelMusic.com
I was asked to be on the panel for an SEN (Sabian Education Network) event at Vic's Drum Shop in Chicago on May 4, 2016, with Meg Thomas, Victor Salazar, Billy Cobham, and Joe Bergamini.
We each took turns presenting our thoughts and concepts on education.
This is an excerpt from my contribution to the discussion.
In this episode I answer a question about being a vegetarian, and the philosophical implications surrounding the idea.
I also explain and invite you out to a Foundational Series Group DrumMantra Class.
I also off you the ability to access a totally FREE drum lesson series from me at http://richstitzelmusic.com/pages/free
I discuss concepts of time & subdivisions,
I give a shout out to Texas drummer Joseph Carpenter,
and talk about the philosophy of practice.
Rhythmic Perception; A Primer Pt. 9 is all about the groove. Playing the 3:4 polymetric relationship between 4 limbs while listening to a composition that carries us from one foundational time signature and tempo to another.
Special surprise guest from great Chicago drummer, Billy Shaffer.
Happy Birthday Mom!
Rhythmic Perception; A Primer Pt. 8 is all about the groove. Playing the 3:4 polymetric relationship between 4 limbs while listening to a composition that carries us from one foundational time signature and tempo to another.
Rhythmic Perception; A Primer Pt. 7 is all about the groove. Playing the 3:4 polymetric relationship between 3 limbs while listening to a composition that carries us from one foundational time signature and tempo to another.
A question about endorsements.
A nod to one of my favorite musicians, Mr. Paul Mutzabaugh.
Rhythmic Perception; A Primer Pt. 6 is all about the groove. Playing the 3:4 polymetric relationship between 3 limbs while listening to a composition that carries us from one foundational time signature and tempo to another.
Rhythmic Perception; A Primer Pt. 5 is all about getting on the kit and playing the 3:4 polymetric relationship while listening to a composition that carries us from one foundational time signature and tempo to another.
There are four different perspectives to this exercise. This part deals with Ride/Kick, Kick/Ride, Snare/Hat, Hat/Snare. Please visit Pt.1 & Pt.2 if you are in question as to how to approach this series of exercises.
The goal is to stay focused on the main pulse. Let it sink into your muscle memory to the point that you are FEELING the groove, as well as being aware of the secondary rhythm. Push beyond the intellectual "I understand the concept, so I'm good" stage and go to the level of the soul, where you actually feel the time, not just think the time.
Reflections on creating content.
Taking Naps.
Cross-coordination with Ride/HH, and Kick/SD.
Concepts of coordination, independence, and counting.
Rhythmic Perception; A Primer Pt 3 is all about getting on the kit and playing the 3:4 polymetric relationship while listening to a composition that carries us from one foundational time signature and tempo to another.
There are four different perspectives to this exercise. Please visit Pt.1 & Pt.2 if you are in question as to how to approach this series of exercises.
The goal is to stay focused on the main pulse. Let it sink into your muscle memory to the point that you are FEELING the groove, as well as being aware of the secondary rhythm. Push beyond the intellectual "I understand the concept, so I'm good" stage and go to the level of the soul, where you actually feel the time, not just think the time.
Whats up everybody?!
Rich Stitzel here coming to you from DrumMantra Studios in Chicago.
I want to thank all of you for watching the first video, “Rhythmic Perception; A Primer, Pt.1”. This video, Part 2, deals with applying the concept from the first video on to the drumset, so we’re actually going to take it to the drumset.
I want to answer a question real quick before we move on that I got from some people from the first video:
Why did I begin with 4 & 3 instead of 2 & 3?
The answer is, this video series is more about polymeters. Polymeters are the same subdivision with different durations so 4 & 3 would be 1,2,3, etc. & 1,2,3,4, etc.
Same subdivision, different durations.
The quarter note duration has four sixteenth notes. 1e&a2e&a3e&a
The faster one has three subdivisions of sixteenth notes. 1,2,3,1,2,3,1,2,3,etc.
A polyrhythm would back us up to 2 & 3.
1&2&1&2&, tri-po-let, tri-po-let, etc.
A polyrhythm is different subdivisions resolving within the same amount of time.
A polymeter is same subdivisions with different durations so it takes longer for things to resolve. It takes longer for the resolution of this relationship to happen.
So, different subdivision, same resolution time is a polyrhythm.
Same subdivisions, different resolution time is a polymeter.
So all of this is about polymeters.
Ok. That was an awesome question. I’m so glad it was asked, and I’m glad we could clarify that. Now we will talk about polyrhythms for sure because they are a very interesting component of this whole concept.
I’d like to also remind you that if you have a question or comment on any of these videos if you would subscribe to this youtube channel you can make a comment and I’d be happy to answer every question or comment that you have.
Ok. So now its time to move it to the drumset. We are going to play right hand ride cymbal, left hand snare drum. Very basic, very simple. The pattern of 3 will start in the ride cymbal, the pattern of 4 will be in the snare drum.
You can play along with me. I’m going to count it in. Two measures of ¾ so its like, 1,2,3,1,2,3. Two measures of 3 and then we’re in. 16 bars total. Here we go…
Ok great! You’ve got it! I hope you do. We’ve done it over and over and over again. You’ve been able to play it with me, you’ve been able to play it with the metronome. Now we’re going to move to the next level of this thing which is a whole new subdivision. It’s a triplet subdivision. Everything happens in triplets. So instead of “Kick the silver bucket, Kick the silver bucket” we go “This rhythm is a trip. This rhythm is a trip” tri-po-let, tri-po-let, etc. Everything is now in triplet subdivisions. Still a polymeter because everything is a triplet.
We’re in 4/4. Here we go…
Ok great! That’s a tricky one, but I think you’ve probably gotten comfortable enough with it to move to the next one. Now, seriously, a reminder: Repeat this over and over and over until it feels good. Its not a math assignment, its not a big technical thing. We want to feel this. We want to play this so many times that it just feels natural to you.
The third level of this is a more abstract level. Instead of counting in 3 with the slow tempo, we’re going to count to 4. This takes three measures to resolve. We will do it 4 times in a row. So 3 measures, 4 times in a row. Here we go…
Did you work on that one for a while? You must have because I think I fell asleep. Alright, great. Lets move on to the next one. The final, most abstract, most “Jackson Pollack” of all the rhythms in this category of 3 &4. We are now going to count the fast tempo in ¾ time instead of 4/4 time.
Ok. Great job! We made it through all four perspectives of this 4 to 3 relationship. Very nice. We did it with our hands. Now, the next step is we’re going to switch hands and switch roles and do the whole thing again but with the faster groupings with the left hand and the slower groupings with the right hand.
The trick is, you’re probably going to say to yourself, “Oh. I understand how that works” and then just skip over it. I promise you that doing it is different than thinking about it. Sure we can intellectualize what its like to swap roles with our hands, but to actually do it is how you internalize it physically, how you gain the muscle memory, and how you make it part of your own vocabulary.
In this episode, we take a look at a very common rhythmic relationship of 4:3 and discuss the 4 different perspectives it can be looked at.
I will discuss ways to count the various "angles" in the rhythmic relationship and to look at the various ways the subdivisions can be viewed as polyrhythms or polymeters.
These exercises can certainly become a meditation of sorts if you concentrate and sit with them long enough. Focusing on the counting, and focusing on the "external" rhythm will certainly require much of your attention.
Thanks!
-Rich