In this lesson you will be constructing 6/8 grooves that are all in

. The basic principle of half time was to halve the number of main snare beats (or 'backbeat') within the bar. So in 4/4 you went from two snares per bar to one snare per bar. Now, in 6/8 you only have one snare to start off with so to switch into half time a two bar pattern is required. Over those two bars you will only have one main snare hit that falls on the '1' count of the second bar. Around that snare you can fit as many extra kicks and decorate parts as you like, but make that beat stand out.

 

Listed below are some examples of half time 6/8 grooves followed by some eighth bar phrases showing them being used practically.


Example 1

A half time 6/8 groove.


Example 2

A half time 6/8 groove.


Example 3

A half time 6/8 groove.


Example 4

A half time 6/8 groove.


Example 5

A half time 6/8 groove.


TASK

  • Using the 2 minute rule, get all grooves up to a tempo of at least dotted crotchets at 100bpm.
  • For exach example, play two bars of common time 6/8 groove followed by a half time 6/8 groove. This will help you get a beter feel for the concept.
  • Create further variations on these grooves.
  • Apply these grooves to a phrased piece as either the groove or fill.
  • .

Four Bar Phrases

Phrase 1

A four bar phrase using this concept


Phrase 2

A four bar phrase using this concept


Phrase 3

A four bar phrase using this concept

Lessons

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