I randomly generated this drum pattern to work on today.
LBBRLBRR
It was a little tricky at first so I broke it up into some chunks to let my hands get used to the pieces.
Did these for 5-10 minutes and then the full pattern was a lot smoother when I went back to it.
I am having good luck working with a couple simple drum patterns lately. On their own they are simple like lego blocks. When you use them together you can build.
RLLK or LRRK
RRLK or LLRK
RLK or LRK
I am practicing them as both straight and swing. It's good to be able to do both because I think the more solid my swing is makes straight more tight. That is just a theory.
Loaning my vintage Slingerland early 1970s Buddy Rich drum kit to a music school for kids was a good move. They were just sitting around in a MN storage locker. Now they are letting kids learn the drums on them.
They are probably a little too big for children. The kick drum is massive. But it is cool they get to use a classic drum kit before they move on to something newer.
It has been a while since I posted anything here. It was an intense two weeks, and some areas got put on the back burner to simmer.
My friend's band, Flavor Crystals, had a short tour booked and needed a temporary drummer. I haven't been back to the US in five years, so it was a nice way to get me to travel back. I have made that trip so many times, but I needed a push to go this time.
Their real drummer, John Menke, is so good, so it made learning the songs and getting the shows a breeze. It was good times focusing in on just the drum parts on their songs. I'd put on headphones, take an urban hike, and sort out the vibe of each drum part.
My plan wasn't to copy each song note for note but to get the feel down. I figured that for the other members, if it felt right, then they could not worry about me so much. It seemed to work.
Today's drum pattern reminded me that I should resist the dominant hand or foot. My body/mind wants to start with the dominant probably because it is easiest to get going. I should lead with the opposite of what my mind is telling me to go with. It is a little messier and chaotic but I usually find a pattern or fill that surprises me more than usual.
