In this lesson you will be learning another exercise for pushing your hand speed and stamina. These exercises involve playing groups of 16th notes followed by groups of 32nd Notes and using the Two Minute Rule to work on building up the tempo. The patterns will be similar to lower level exercises in switching note values but the speed the notes are played at will be drastically increased. If you practice these exercises often you will quickly notice an improvement in the speed of your hands.
Remember at all times to make sure your notes are all clear and even whilst using proper hand technique. Don't let the left hand play softer than the right and keep your hands in the optimal playing position. All exercises below will be in the time signature of 4/4 using single stroke roll sticking.
Exercise 1 - 1 Beat Changes
Play 1 beats worth of 16th notes followed by 1 beats worth of 32nd notes. You will fit this exercise twice into one bar.
Exercise 2 - 2 Beat Changes
Play 2 beats worth of 16th notes followed by 2 beats worth of 32nd notes.
Exercise 3 - 4 Beat Changes
Play a full bars worth of 16th notes followed by a full bars worth of 32nd notes.
Exercise 4 - Eighth Note Changes
Play a half a beats worth of 16th notes followed by a half a beats worth of 32nd notes. This exercise fits four times into a bar.
TASK
- Using the 2 minute rule, aim to get the exercises up to a tempo of around 110bpm.
- Experiment with different lengths to further improve your hand speed.
- Reverse each exercise.
