Developing A Jazz/Swing Feel
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Learn How To Develop A Jazz/Swing Feel On The Drum Set!
The most important thing about jazz drumming is the ride cymbal pattern. It has to swing. The way to count it is based on the eighth note triplet. If you count the triplets out: one trip let, two trip let, three trip let, four trip let, the ride cymbol is played on: one, two let, three, four let. From there you can accent beats two and four using your hi-hat. You may also want to try accenting beats one and three instead. There are some arguments over which way feels or sounds better. Use your own judgement, that is what making music is all about! It is best to learn both ways however, as you never know which way a band leader may ask you to play. You can mix it around if you'd like, accenting beats one and three on the cymbal and beats two and four on the hi-hat. If you'd like you can really change things up and play the ride cymbal pattern on the hi-hat. Another thing to try is opening the hi-hat on one and three and closing it on two and four.
As you practice the swing pattern, start with no accent, then accent beats two and four, then do it again accenting one and three. The exercises in the worksheet will guide you through some of the variations mentioned above.
Learn how to play jazz drum fills in the next drum lesson.
