Now we have developed some control with the right foot to play different bass drum patterns, we turn our attention to building some independence with the left hand.
Snare Independence 1 [a]
Here is our first snare drum independence pattern. We are adding an additional snare drum note on the ‘a’ of beat 2.
In the following example, the pattern is played at 70 beats per minute. Have a go at playing along.
Snare Independence 1 [b]
In this exercise, the bass drum is played on beat 1 and the + of 3. It creates a syncopated pattern that is commonly heard in funk-inspired music.
Once you can play this groove at 103bpm, you are ready to play Hard to Handle by The Black Crowes.
Snare Independence 2 [a]
Snare Independence 2 [b]
Snare Independence 3 [a]
Snare Independence 3 [b]
Once you can play this groove at 96bpm, you are ready to play Californication by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.