* THE SONG
* BEAT PLACEMENT
* WITH THE KICK, NOT WITH THE KICK
* DYNAMICS
* ONE WITH YOURSELF
* JUST BECAUSE THEIR GREAT, DOESN’T MAKE IT SO
* LISTEN TO THE MASTERS

1) on TOP of the beat (slightly ahead of the metronome click)
2) in the MIDDLE of the beat (dead center with the metronome click)
3) BEHIND the beat (slightly behind the metronome click)
There will be a future video post on this concept so I won’t go into great detail now. Just understand and be aware that this subtle difference of where you place your note, makes the truly great rhythm section players stand apart from the rest. As a guideline, I tend to play straight-ahead jazz slightly ahead of the beat. With rock and country music I tend to play right in the middle of the beat. With funk, blues, hip hop and gospel I will play slightly behind the beat. Again, the tune will usually dictate where I’ll place the beat. Ultimately you and your drummer need to understand this concept and openly communicate about this. Try experimenting with these three different beat placements to see how it effects the groove of your music.

1) Playing with the kick drum.
2) Playing off the kick and around it
(not necessarily playing in unison with every kick).
You should be aware of this concept and try experimenting where to place those unison notes together. Listen to the masters for how they approach this subtle yet powerful ingredient. Yet again, the composition will usually dictate what is needed and where to place those strategic notes and accents.




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jpms_master_bass_drum_listening_list.pdf |