Mambo & Jazz Samba Groove – Combining two classic grooves with a clean transition, which of course has to include the 6 stroke roll! Both grooves are challenging, but very therapeutic in their own way and tend to compliment each other in an unexpected way. Although the execution is a bit rough and choppy, this provides some additional ideas to explore.
FIVE BLOCK FLOW EXERCISE – This has taken me years to develop, but it’s completely worth it. I’m incorporating five blocks (groupings or patterns) into a flow exercise. This allows you to play fluidly for a long time without memorization. It incorporates a base pattern of K R L K R L R L with triplet based patterns sprinkled in.
DOUBLE STROKE TOM GROOVE – Not only is this an incredibly fun groove to play, but it will strengthen your left hand with double strokes and movement around the kit! Throw in some triplet based spice on the floor tom and you’re in business.
SIMPLE UPBEAT GROOVE – This is a simple, but challenging groove that forces you to work on time, feel & sound. It’s super fun & very musical. A groove that will take time to smooth out & feel natural.
ACCENTED HIGH HAT GROOVE – You’ll never want to stop playing this funky groove! It’s certainly a challenge to get it down, but watch out once you do. This groove introduces you to the value that accents add to anything you play.
8th NOTE ROOTED TOM GROOVE – An incredibly fun groove that is rooted in 8th notes on the floor tom. In this version, the high hat is played on the quarter notes, but can be played on the 8th notes (along with the floor tom) if you’re up to the challenge!
FUNKY SIDE SNARE GROOVE – A snappy little groove that works perfectly with a side snare. A short lead in sets the tone & the staggered crash pattern keeps the groove alive. You’re going to love the feel of this one!
THE SOCA GROOVE – This groove originated in Trinidad in the 1970’s & is a thrill to play. Fast and challenging on the high hat, with off beats on the snare drum. You’ll never get bored with this one!
THE HYBRID LINEAR GROOVE – A versatile funky groove that you won’t want to stop playing. This is a hybrid variation of KRLKRLRL & RLKRLKRL orchestrated with a little attitude!
THE FLAM FILL GROOVE – A fun groove with a little spice on the ride cymbal & a challenging flam fill to finish it off. I do hate rudiments, until you can throw them into a groove & this is a great illustration!
JAZZ INSPIRED GROOVE – This little diddy just evolved one day while working on some fundamental jazz patterns. The groove pulls in the toms and allows for a dual cymbal transition. It’s a challenge, but has a very satisfying feel while playing it!
BONHAM’S SHUFFLE GROOVE – The iconic shuffle groove from Led Zeppelin’s ”Fool In The Rain”. Nobody plays it like John Bonham, but it is an absolute thrill to play each & every time!
SYNCOPATED FUNK GROOVE – This is a classic groove that takes a bit of attitude to play. It’s easy to rush given the off beats, but brings pure joy when you can lock it in!
MODIFIED SHUFFLE GROOVE – This is a challenging shuffle groove with a fantastic fill that just feels right. May take some time to bring it up to speed, but totally worth it!
SIMPLE UPBEAT GROOVE – This is a simple, but challenging groove that forces you to work on time, feel & sound. It’s super fun & very musical. A groove that will take time to smooth out & feel natural.
PHRASED LINEAR GROOVE – This is a really fun linear groove that has so many possibilities. It combines two sticking patterns, which are used in the fill as well – but I added just a little extra spice!
JOST NICKEL INSPIRED GROOVE – This is a linear groove originating from Jost Nickel that has a great feel to it. I modified it slightly by adding a 32nd note lick to heat it up a bit!
BRAZILIAN INSPIRED GROOVE – This is a variation of a Samba groove that I learned for a cover track. I really like the feel of this & it has several applications. It’s a great groove to work on independence!
FUNKY LINEAR GROOVE – This is a linear groove with a great feel & use of a cowbell. It is a bit tricky, as you will switch up the pattern to keep the backbeat on 2 & 4. A very difficult groove to smooth out, but once you get it has many possibilities for transition fills.
JAZZ SAMBA GROOVE – This is a fantastic groove to work on independence. Throw in some nice transition fills & you could play this all day long!
INVERTED PARADIDDLE GROOVE – This is a saucy little groove I stumbled onto while working through some inverted paradiddle variations. Adding the open high hat on beats 1 and the & of 2 gives it an little added punch.
STICKY PARADIDDLE GROOVE – This is a very basic paradiddle groove that has great flexibility. Modifying the bass drum beats or high hat accents will give it a completely different feel.
SNEEKY HIGH HAT GROOVE – This is one example of what can happen when you swap the base drum pedal with the high hat pedal. A little finesse & a catchy groove surfaces. Add in a cymbal stack for a long sizzle & you’re golden.
SAUCY UPBEAT GROOVE – This is a variation of the Simple Upbeat Groove with more of a syncopated ride cymbal pattern. It’s great for working on independence and can provide a little spice when woven into other grooves. The high hat on the upbeat adds another layer of complexity as well.
DISPLACED BACKBEAT GROOVE – This is a biscuit of a groove that will take some time to smooth out. It does lend itself to some nice fill patterns, with one example in this clip. There are layers of snare drum ghost notes and a displaced backbeat snare accent to give it a unique feel.
THE BROWNSTONE GROOVE – A tricky but satisfying groove, in which components can sneak their way into daily playing. The base drum & snare really compliment each other & if you listen close enough the figure out the groove sounds similar to a Guns & Roses song…
THROWBACK DRUMS 