I’m Tweeked / Attack of the 20lb Pizza – Vinnie Colaiuta
This excerpt is taken from melody section [0:37 to 1:12] of "I'm Tweeked / Attack of the 20lb Pizza" from Vinnie Colaiuta's self-titled album (1994).
It is very difficult to appreciate what is happening at full–speed, so here is the drum part played at various speeds from very slow to fast:
Section @ 40 BPM
Section @ 60 BPM
Section @ 80 BPM
Section @ 100 BPM
At first blush, this section of the song can sound like the CD is skipping, or perhaps a clever sequence of sixteenth note based odd-meters has been employed. However, the truth is deceptively simple. The rhythms are based on a simple rock beat and the section is merely eight measures of common time. What makes it both intriguing and very difficult is how Vinnie displaces the beat. ‘Rhythmic displacement’ describes the shifting of a pattern forward or backward in time, in relation to the pulse.
The boxed numbers above the notation relate to the following displacement exercises. They have been added to illustrate where each displaced pattern begins. In these exercises, the basic beat has been written out in 8 positions. Each pattern is identical to the previous one, except that it has been shifted (displaced) by one sixteenth-note to the right.
Before attempting to play the whole section of the song, it is important to familiarize yourself with the exercises. Practice each one very slowly and remember that counting is your friend! You will find that the eighth based displacements (numbers 1, 3, 5 and 7) are much easier to play than the sixteenth based ones (2, 4, 6 and 8).
Working on beat displacement is very challenging, but rewarding. It will benefit your time-keeping skills, regardless of what style of music you play.
Displacement Exercises:
Exercises @ 40 BPM
Exercises @ 60 BPM
Unfortunately, this video does not show the relevant section, but does show the later part of the song including the drum solo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-Ptb_BmD-0&list=PLfNFQx2xRWtXQ5qRjM__yq_JXwRsF5hlD
Author
Steve Ley is a professional drummer, teacher, writer and Sheet Music Team Director for Online Drummer. He studied at the Australian National University, graduating with a Diploma of Music specializing in jazz performance.
