This lesson outlines another simple time keeping idea for the time signature of 6/8. In a previous lesson we discussed playing dotted quarter notes on the left foot and this time you will be using eighth notes. The purpose of adding this at this point will be as a way to further strengthen the eighth note count within the groove. This can be particularly useful in a more sparse groove patterns as it will fill in the gaps between long notes, giving other members of a band something to 'latch' onto for time keeping purposes.

It may be worth noting that this pattern will only apply to grooves where the right hand is not on the hi hat.

Shown below are two simple grooves with this new idea added, one with eighth notes on right handsand one with dotted quarter notes. Notice in the dotted quarter note pattern that the left foot is now filling in the space between the right hand notes.

Simple groove patterns with the new concept applied.

Below I have included five further examples of this concept applied to various different 6/8 grooves.


Example 1

A 6/8 groove with left foot eighth notes.


Example 2

A 6/8 groove with left foot eighth notes.


Example 3

A 6/8 groove with left foot eighth notes.


Example 4

A 6/8 groove with left foot eighth notes.


Example 5

A 6/8 groove with left foot eighth notes.


TASK

  1. Using the 2 minute rule, get all grooves up to a tempo of at least dotted crotchets at 110bpm.
  2. Create further variations on these grooves.
  3. Apply this concept to a phrased piece, keep the left foot eighth notes going through any fills.
  4. .

Four Bar Phrases

I have included some four bar patterns to demonstrate the idea of keeping the eighth notes going under the fill. This is a great way to force your timing to remain consistant and is well worth practicing.

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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