Sick Drummer Magazine

Anatomy of a Drum Groove: Focus De-Mystified

By: Sean Reinert for Sick Drummer Magazine Issue #2

 

How Could I?

 

In this groove I have explored the idea of keeping an ostinato (repeating pattern) figure with the ride and hi hat foot while playing a linear counter rhythm with the left hand and kick. I would suggest getting comfortable playing the ride and hi hat pattern first by them selves (audio example #1).

 

Then learn the left hand and kick drum part by them selves (audio example #2). The easiest way I have found to combine the two is to play the ride and hi hat pattern, then one by one, slowly add in notes from the left hand/kick drum part.

 

Start playing the full groove (audio example #3) at a slow tempo and gradually increase. (good advice for learning any exercise!)

 

 

Audio Example 1: 

 

 

 

Audio Example 2: 

 

 

 

Audio Example 3: 

 

Download a PDF of the notation above!

 

Have fun and experiment with your own ostinatos and counter rhythms ~ Sean