In January, The Project (@jaykeyzproject) started to host a weekly Neosoul/Funk/HipHop flavored jam session at Hawaiian Brian’s, in Honolulu.
We usually open the night at 10 PM with a short set, and then invite people up to jam and improvise.
It’s a great opportunity to hang, vibe, network, and play with some of Hawaii’s top musicians!
There’s no cover at the door, so please show some love to the excellent bar staff at The Studio. Hope to see you there!
– Beck
Other drummers have asked me about my (default) grip. Just flip a stick and catch it. That’s it: The brilliance of simplicity.
Note: I use a middle finger fulcrum as my “home position,” the index finger comes in to close the hand, add control and pressure, only when necessary (fast doubles, press rolls, etc.).
This allows me to utilize the rebound I get from the drums and cymbals, and to play with the least amount of effort.
#KeepItSimpleStupid
Here’s a cool exercise one of my teachers shared with me, a long time ago:
For a lot of people this is a hard exercise — it definitely is for me.
Its benefits are many: improved timing, coordination, and being able to stay in the pocket while transitioning between different variations, are just a few that come to mind spontaneously.
Remember: Slow, steady, and relaxed wins the race!
Here are two simple, yet cool triplet combos: ||:Left Right Kick:|| (Gadd is a master at this!) and then something I’ve heard Bonham do a lot: ||:Left Right Kick | Right Left Kick:||
In this songo improv I play open handed, aka left hand lead (I’m not crossing my sticks), which allows me to get around the kit more easily.
Here’s an Elvin Jones inspired afro-cuban pattern. It has a 6/4 kind of feel, and the hi-hat splashes and tom accents make it challenging to keep balance. I’ll try to follow up with a transcription, soon.
I recently came up with this cool beat:
8th note heel/toe hi-hat splashes over a polyrhythmic double stroke bass drum pattern. 1&A cymbal pattern + snare drum on 2&4.
Been listening to a lot of Hard Bop lately. Here’s a triplet-based lick that’s fun to play and gets you around the kit. Might have heard it from #BillyHiggins or #MaxRoach, not sure.
When you learn a new lick or combination, make sure you can play it in different rates, e.g., 8th notes, triplets, and 16th notes.
Here’s something I like to practice:
I’m improvising grooves while working my way through different 16th note variations on the hi-hat. I’ve found this to be a great way to come up with new ideas, strengthen my coordination, and improve my timing on the drums. Too often we drummers forget about the endless possibilities seemingly simple rhythms can offer, especially when applied in a creative, groove oriented way. Have fun! – bex out!
This is great exercise to deepen your pulse and improve timing on the drums. I start playing a beat at the downbeat, then move it to the “e” of the beat, then the “+” and the “a.” I’m basically moving through the 16th note grid, using each 16th note as a new starting point.
I’m on Dana Montero’s latest single “Reunion.” (Maxwell cover) Check it!
Available on most digital outlets!
Aspiring drummers!
Depending on your level and interest, topics include hand and foot technique, grooves, timekeeping, phrasing ideas, sight reading, odd time signatures, fills, soloing and studio techniques, etc. Lessons are conducted in English or German.
Things you need:
If you don’t live in Hawaii and want to study with me – this is a great option.
Use the contact from on the lessons page to find out more, or to book a lesson.
