In this lesson you will be adding one occurrence of the 'R L L F pattern to various grooves in the time signature of 7/8 to create simple decorative patterns. Similar patterns have been created for the time signatures of 4/4, 6/8 and 3/4>, the difference here is that the movement is being applied within a compound time signature. This lesson will be far easier if you have covered the previous lessons and you can find links to these at the bottom of the page a long with some other lessons that may be useful when learning these parts.
Within a compound time signature there are a couple more options for placement of the shape, these will be explored in the examples below. In some cases the straight 'R L L F' pattern will be used but in others additional kicks and right hands will be added. Be sure to start each pattern at a slow tempo and gradually build up to a decent speed. In those examples that use ghost notes, make sure the ghosted notes are dramatically quieter than the rest of the bar.
The aim here is just to provide you with more options for construction of grooves in this time signature. Remember to improvise using the given patterns and try to come up with your own ideas based on what has been shown.
Example 1
The shape is used straight away in this groove. The gap under the third hi hat can be a bit off putting, adding counting can help with note placement here.
Example 2
The same placement as above but this time with ghost notes and a kick added straight after the shape.
Example 3
This time the RLLF starts on the second quaver in. The 'R' of the shape is played on the crash cymbal while the 'L's are played on floor toms. This placement is more similar to the 4/4 version as it proceeds the backbeat.
Example 4
The same RLLF placement as above is used with the snares ghosted and the right hand playing the floor tom.
Example 5
The shape is now applied on the fourth hi hat in, creating a simple feel within the 7/8 time signature. Starting on the '+' count in this context is a little odd but sounds very cool.
Example 6
Another simple time idea where the 'RLLF' falls on the fifth cunt. Ghost notes are used here.
Example 7
Two occurrences of the pattern are applied within a compound feel.
TASK
- Using the 2 minute rule, get the grooves up to a tempo of at least 130bpm.
- Apply these grooves to a phrased pattern as any section.
- Create further grooves using the ideas presented above.
