9 replies to this topic

[callum]

hey all, i was wondering if someone could help me
i started the basics of jazz a few weeks ago and i can play the basic pattern etc but now i am moving on to comping and this is where the problem starts. I cannot seem to play a snare hit on the "let" or "ah" of 1 or 3, i just cant process it in my mind:(
so here is my question, how did you learn the basics of comping and how did you count when you did?
thanks for reading folks!
callum

[YELLOW_TOAD]

I learned (and teach) more advanced "comping" by not counting in triplet....but by counting in swing eighth notes.

Know what I mean?

[callum]

I learned (and teach) more advanced "comping" by not counting in triplet....but by counting in swing eighth notes.

Know what I mean?

i think i know what you mean:)
so a bar of triplets is counted like like
1-+-a-2-+-a-3-+-a-4-+-a or 1-trip-let-2-trip-let-3-trip-let-4-trip-let
so counting in swung 8th notes would it be like this?
1--a-2--a-3--a-4--a or 1--let-2--let-3--let-4--let
sorry if i have gotten confused here but is that what you were taking about?
thanks for the post!!
callum

[YELLOW_TOAD]

Check this lesson out - from PETER ERSKINE's Drumset Essentials book.


There's more to this lesson....and I really love the book. I suggest you purchase it!

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[callum]

thank you so much! this is exactly what i was looking for! i'll give this a shot today:)
i appreciate it!
callum

[YELLOW_TOAD]

You need to be able to think and count out loud the basic jazz beat in quarter notes.

" 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 "

Once you do that...you can develop your left hand - comping to the beats shown.

Once you've gotten that down..than try counting in your 8th note count.

This lesson - and it's method - can be altered to other rhythms too.....it can be very helpful especially when trying to learn latin rhythms.

Don't forget to include your left foot on your Hi-hat on beats two and four. BUT....if you struggle with this - eliminate the left foot hat...and try to add it later.

Lastly..when playing jazz....as nice as it is to be able to comp freely....sometimes it's ok to play the "comp part" - while just playing quarters on the ride.

Good luck....give it time. Be patient. You WILL be able to do this.

(If drumming was easy....everyone would do it!)

[callum]

thank you a bunch for all the advice, i will try my best to follow it:) im just working through those exercises at the moment:)
thanks again!
callum

[Topcat]

Hey Callum,

I'm about to start on Jazz myself as I've only really just touched the surface with it up until now.

I'm going to have a crack at some of the exercises in this book - I don't know if it's any good as I couldn't find the "Drum Essentials" book by Peter Erskine, only this "Concepts and Techniques" book by him.

Some good advice there by Yellowtoad, I'm going to follow his advice also.

I have attached this other Peter Erskine book but I don't yet know if it's of any use mate.

Cheers,

Mark.

Attached Files

•  Peter Erskine Drum Concepts and Techniques.pdf   33.94MB   58 downloads

[Topcat]

Callum,

I forgot to add this:

[url="\"http://www.freedrumlessons.com/drum-lessons/basic-jazz-pattern.php\"]http://www.freedruml...azz-pattern.php[/url]

Check it out mate, there are more advanced Jazz lessons (and loads of other things) on this site and it has helped me out a lot in the past.

Cheers,

Mark.

[callum]

thanks a bunch Mark! it was really good of you to post these:), i'll try them out today:). Between you and YELLOW_TOAD helping me out i'll hopefully get round this comping stuff
i appreciate it guys
callum