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Developing Phrasing Ideas Part 1

In this free drum lesson, I discuss developing phrasing ideas using “double” bass drum strokes over double strokes.

It’s a while since I last posted, so I wanted to share with you something I’ve been playing about with, which has been loads of fun (download the free PDF below).

The exercises below are based on the concept of permutation, which I’m a big fan of as I find it very multifunctional. As a result, we can squeeze lots of juice out of a simple idea in using it. If you’re not familiar with the permutation, read about it in my new book Concepts or dive deep into it with David Garibaldi’s Future Sounds.

By working through these exercises, I hope you not only come up with fun and interesting grooves and licks, but in the process, gain a deeper understanding of hand / foot interplay. Similarly, by practicing these, you’ll develop increased control of hand and foot technique, as well as your time, and general co-ordination; things I’ve benefited from in doing these.

Let’s do this

The exercise is simple; I’ve taken 16th note double strokes, and replaced two note values with bass drums, which I’ve then permuted by a 16th note at a time.

It goes without saying that you should pay attention to your time, technique, and co-ordination, starting slowly (perhaps 70BPM), to get the full benefit. Yet, spend time with each exercise to be aware of the rhythms you generate with the snare drum, bass drum, and the interplay of both.

Play these on the snare drums first, and then start exploring the exercise around the kit.

Next month, I’ll post Part II.

If you’ve enjoyed this free drum lesson, please share with other drummers!

Thank you,

Nick x

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DEVELOPING PHRASING IDEAS PT.1 PDF

About Nick Schlesinger

I’m lucky to tour the UK and Europe with great artists and work on sessions in world-renowned studios such as Abbey Road Studios on some really cool projects. You can also find me playing covers gigs in and around London.

Education is a big part of my work, and I’m really passionate about helping drummers achieve their goals. Published by magazines like Modern Drummer (US) and Drummer (UK), I constantly add new educational content on my blog, and I frequently like to embark on various entrepreneurial projects.

Check out my drumming book: Concepts

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