In this syncopated groove construction lesson you are going to take a sixteenth note '233' rhythm and apply it as the right hand part of a groove. This will create some interesting sounding parts that are also a nice challenge on your co-ordination. At the bottom of the page you will find a collection of links to other lessons that may be helpful in the learning process. This includes a lesson explaining the '233' terminology. These grooves could be described as 'multi rhythmed' as there are several different rhythmic ideas going on with in the one drum part.
To ease you into these parts gradually, let's start with the '233' rhythm on a closed hi hat with snares in the common time 2 and 4 position. Note that the snares end up played without a hi hat.
Add in counting under this if you are struggling with the timing then spend some time playing the part over and over until note placement is accurate. To turn this into a very simple groove, add kicks in on the 1 and 3. This shouldn't be too hard as these fall under the very first note of the '233'.
Listed below are several variations on the kick and snare placement, some more complicated than others. Take your time with each part and ensure that note placement is accurate before trying to build up tempo.
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4
Example 5
TASK
- Learn the grooves above up to a tempo of at least 120bpm.
- Experiment with different placement ideas and orchestrations.
- Use the concept as part of a phrased example.
- Try constructing longer patterns based on this rhythm, such as two or four bar grooves.
- Combine different elements of the grooves given above to create even more construction ideas.
