In this 7/8 groove construction lesson you will be focusing on the right hand by adding a 16th note right at the end of the bar, just after the '7' count. The aim here is to familiarize you with how this right hand part works in the new time signature and to allow you to use it comfortably in your playing. In theory, the general groove construction concept is pretty straight forward, however, as the tempo gets higher it will become more of a stamina drain on the right hand. This is where technique becomes really important and you should focus on relaxing your arm from the shoulder down. At the bottom of the page there are links to other groove construction exercises and hand stamina challenges that will really help you with this part.
The right hand part for these grooves goes like this:
Check Your Counting:
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The counting for this rhythm is: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7+
This pattern is best used on a part of the kit that has a short/sharp sound such as the ride or hi hat as these allow the quick notes to really cut through. Percussion items like a cowbell or wood block are good to experiment with too. Washier sounds like a crash will disguise the quick notes making them a little pointless.
In the following groove construction examples you will be adding kicks and snares underneath this right hand pattern using both the compound and simple feels.
Groove Construction Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4
Example 5
TASKS
- Using the 2 minute rule, get all groove construction ideas up to a tempo of at least 120bpm.
- Create your own variations on these patterns. Write as many down as possible.
- Experiment with using half and double time.
- Use these patterns as part of a Structured Pattern. This idea works well as both a fill or groove.
