The Asalato: Advanced Techniques

Introduce the switch (air turn) and share strategies for mastering a challenging technique: practice patiently, on soft surfaces, and train strong and weak hands simultaneously.

The switch technique frees you to switch between pieces while the rope moves back between your fingers and spins on beat, opening a whole new ocean of possibilities.

Practice the hit and switch rhythm by coordinating both hands: one hits while the other catches, then switch, delivering a brain workout.

The Asalato's 4.4 pattern challenges you to practice using only switches, alternating left and right hands to train rhythm and brain flexibility, becoming a true percussionist who masters both hands.

Master the 3 on 4 polyrhythm by switching one hand to a three-note pattern while the other hand maintains a four-note hit, blending West African rhythm with coordinated practice.

Freestyle and improvise with the switch using both hands, recall all techniques, and build confident percussionist improvisation skills for a strong, enjoyable technique practice.

Master the offbeat switch technique by walking it through with your other hand, then practice hits on top and bottom, spin, and the piece between your fingers that keeps switching.

learn the one switch pattern by executing the top and bottom switches in sequence, catching after the switch and shaking, counting aloud, and following along with 123412341234.

Practice the two-switch pattern to create smoother technique by hitting on top, then bottom, then the off-beat switch, starting over clockwise with your right hand and your weak hand.

Learn a pattern that combines on-beat and off-beat switches, using top and bottom hits, clockwise and counterclockwise motions, and two spins to return to the start.

Discover how a single pattern creates four rhythms by delaying the left hand, with four variations shown to help you practice rhythm switch techniques.

Apply the learned technique to play the same rhythm with both hands, vary the rhythms by shifting the start times, and create at least three distinct rhythms.

Learn a new top hold using the thumb to secure the rope, and practice a steady shaking motion to build the key grip and rhythm.

Begin in the regular position, release and hit on top to catch it up here, then practice with constant shaking and an active thumb for faster mastery.

Explore the release-based percussion where releasing from the top creates a delay before the sound, redefining rhythm and timing for players.

Master a two-hand pattern that alternates right and left together, then catch up top and release to catch down, starting with the right hand and following a 1-2-3-4 rhythm.

Master time bending by delaying and accelerating hits, using tempo control and arm movement to shape rhythm in the pattern.

Master the super delay technique by bending time and lengthening notes with deliberate delay, practice with the weak and strong hands, then combine both hands for a solid, synchronized sound.

master the super delay from the top by following the top hold to the hit, refining arm and hand movements and building practice through repetition.

Explore a creative challenge to craft a new rhythm and pattern by varying delay, acceleration, and long delays across both hands or a single hand, using time bending techniques.

Explore a basic click refresher to double your playing speed and blend the click with your shaking style of play, following a rhythmic loop to build comfort.

Practice the combining clicks and hits technique through an easy exercise and follow the loop 0123 and four to incorporate it into your plan.

Learn the top click technique to expand sonic possibilities, pairing bottom and top hits with space between the fingers, and practice slowly to master speed.

Practice alternating right and left hands with clicks to develop strength and coordination in both hands, following a rhythm of right-left sequences and timed hits.

Master alternating hand patterns by building solid rhythm with single hits and clicks, then speed up and combine these patterns across both hands.

Master a click-based pattern to expand the world of possibilities, coordinating both hands through hits and clicks, including bottom hits and alternate single hits, while adjusting speed to control momentum.

Adopt the landslide technique to add flair, clicking with the top hand then the bottom in a forward motion, switching hands, and practicing with the weak hand to increase speed.

Explore two creative challenges to invent a new rhythm of clicks on the Asalato, practicing varied right and left patterns, sometimes skipping clicks, and memorizing your composed rhythm.

Insert the delay element learned in this challenge and test its effect with clicks to explore timing in play, using delay or acceleration.

Learn the spin-hit technique on the Isolotto by developing rhythm, patience, and practice across both hands, experimenting with top or bottom hits to build skill over time.

Master the spin-hit pattern in the Asalato drill by alternating spins with your strong and weak hands to produce a flowing hitting sequence and an airborne spin.

Demonstrate the spin-hit-click pattern by adding a click to each hand's hit spin on top and bottom, then practice a fast, sweet-sounding rhythm. Explore a variation that shortens this pattern.

Learn the bottom spin-hit technique by hitting from the top to the opposite direction, coordinating an active hand through a downward motion to improve timing with focused practice.

Learn the 9.5 bottom spin-hit pattern by alternating hits up top with spin hits, returning to the top to catch. Loop through the sequence, with added top clicks.

Master a pattern that keeps incorporating clicks and builds comfort with spin hitting and switching by following a rhythmic sequence from one to five.

Explore pitch changes with this spin hit, using bottom or top finger techniques, and create a sophisticated rhythm through intentional pitch shifts and free pattern creation.

Master spin hitting in the top position to create a quieter ghost note and evolving patterns. Practice fast clicks, space, and dynamics to become a musical drummer.

Explore a creative challenge by selecting a rhythm or pattern, incorporating at least one spin hit, then build with numerous hits, double strokes using clicks, and quiet moments.

Explore advanced shaking patterns by learning to move your arms in opposite directions, challenging coordination and adjusting shake speed to master new motion.

Practice the basic pattern in a new format, embrace the challenge, shake off hesitation, and try it until it comes, through a few or many attempts.

Practice the basic hit spin hit pattern in this advanced technique lesson, framed in a 1-2-3-4 format.

Explore the opposite pattern to challenge your coordination as you practice hands moving in opposite directions, using multiple methods to build skill and understanding.

Shift the rhythm by starting with bottom clicks instead of the top, applying the same pattern to create a fresh feel in the Asalato.

Practice the click pattern from 10.6 click away to build professional rhythm by doubling your strokes and generating endless, interesting rhythms in the Asalato: advanced techniques course.

Craft a novel rhythm you haven't heard in the lesson, explore ideas I've never thought of, and push it in opposite directions to meet the creative challenge.

Explore the basic throws of the isolotto to reveal its sonic effects, while acknowledging the speaker's limits, and direct learners to Japan's masters Panmen and Watari, especially Panmen's tutorials.

Master the basic Asalato throwing technique—hitting, tossing, and spinning in the air—then catch between two fingers to hear its unique sound, while practicing on soft surfaces.

Learn to integrate throwing into patterns using both hands, practice alternating hands, and create multiple throwing patterns to expand technique.

Explore the finger roll trick and the isolotto's visual appeal, advancing from one spin to two while practicing on soft surfaces to protect your wallets.

Master the 11.5 finger roll pattern to elevate rhythm and groove, delivering a groovy feel and look while playing.

Explore practical ideas for applying the asalto in cajon drumming, focusing on on-beat and off-beat concepts to enhance rhythm and technique.

Explore replacing a drum stick with an asalato on the bombo, an argentinian drum, and apply this technique to toms, snare, or djembe.

Use a drumstick gently to avoid smashing it, then play gently and shift the pitch to change the sound.