The Complete Teach-Yourself Drummer's Guide

Welcome to section 2. On page 21, which is the second page of section 2, you will notice the yellow colored V6 at the top left side of this page. This means to watch Video 6.

After reading the written information presented on this page, when you're ready to do so, simply watch Video 6 for more details about notes, beats and rests, beats and count counts, as well as some more details about rests. 

Learning about all of this, is crucial for understanding the basics of reading music timing...

On page 22 of the eBook, all the way to the end of page 27, please read all of the information presented on those pages. Then when you're ready, simply watch video 7 for full details about all of this.

Basically notes are based on fractions, so they are subdivisions of timing, and by reading the info in this eBook, as well as through watching video 7, you will be able to fully grasp this concept.

in fact, I don't recall ever seeing anyone else (certainly based on all the books I've seen) show notes broken into pieces of cake, to depict this simplistic example of how this works.

So it's really easy to grasp this concept, when presenting it this way, and video 7 just goes into more detail about all of this.

Remember, at this stage you're simply learning some basic theory, about notes and how they are based on simple mathematical fractions... 

From page 28 of the eBook, all the way until the end of page 33, pease read all of the information presented on these pages (of course that includes checking out the various drawings as well) and once you're ready, simply watch Video 8 for more details about all of this.

Once again, at this stage you're simply learning some basic theory about notes and rests, and how notes and rests go together.

Therefore by simply reading this information, as well as checking out the accompanying drawings, and then watching the video (video 8) you will gain a very good understanding about this stuff...

Now you're on page 34 of the eBook, and from this page until the end of page 36, you will learn about bars of music, the repeat in-between sign, as well as the time signature.

Once again, please read all of the information presented on these pages, as well as, to make sure you check out all of the graphics and drawings supplied.

Once you gain a general understanding of this, then when you're ready, please watch Video 9.

There's no need for any further information to be written here, as the video, combined with the written explanations, supplied within the eBook itself, will be enough for you to fully grasp these details...

OK, so now that you've got a good understanding of the previous theory lessons in this section, now it's time to learn about the music stave and how the drum kit is broken into five main parts, and how these parts are placed on the various lines of the music stave, in order to write drum music.

You'll also learn how notes, written with their stems up, or with their stems down, means the same thing.

So this information is covered on pages 37 and 38 of the eBook, and once you've read that information, presented on both of those pages, then simply watch Video 10, to gain an even better understanding about all of this...

First of all, congrats on completing the previous section of basic theory studies. Now that you've done that, it's time to learn some easy snare drum with bass drum reading exercises.

Mastering these simple reading and timing exercises, will set you up for all of the coordinated drum beat patterns, that you will learn from section 5 onwards. So it's important to learn these first.

On page 40 of the eBook and from there until page 43, there are 12 separate 2 bar repeated quarter note and quarter note rest, reading exercises.

When you're ready, simply watch Video 11 first, where I will explain how to play these exercises and where I'll also demonstrate the first 6 for you.

Once you get the idea, you can complete all 12 of these exercises on your own after that...     

Now that you have learned the basic quarter note, with quarter note rest reading exercises, on pages 40 to 43, now it's time to take a look at some half note, half note rest, with quarter note, reading exercises.

Presented on pages 44 and 45 are 6 - two bar repeated, basic snare drum with bass drum, reading exercises and these are similar to the previous exercises, only now they feature half notes and half note rests.

When you're ready, please watch Video 12, where I'll explain how to play these exercises, and where I'll also demonstrate the first 3 exercises for you.

Once you get the idea, you can complete all 6 of these exercises on your own after that... 

Now you are going to learn some more snare drum with bass drum reading exercises, but this time we're going to add some whole notes and whole note rests into the mix.

Please note, there are 4 of these exercises, presented on pages 46 and 47 of the accompanying eBook. However these exercises are repeated after 4 bars now, instead of 2 bars.

Once you're ready, please watch Video 13, where I'll explain and also demonstrate the first two of these 4 bar repeated exercises. Then when you get the idea, you can complete all 4 of these exercises on your own after that.

OK, so now that you've completed all of the previous, basic snare drum, with bass drum reading exercises, within this section, now it's time to mix all of the notes and rests you have learned so far together. This time into 8 bar repeated exercises.

There are four of these 8 bar repeated combination exercises (shown on pages 48 to 51 of the accompanying eBook). So when you're ready, please watch Video 14, where I'll explain and also demonstrate, the first two of these combination exercises for you.

Once you get the idea, you can complete all four exercises, on your own after that... 

First of all, congratulations on now making it to section 4. There's just this section to complete, before getting into the main drum set studies. So let's keep moving.

Firstly, please read the written information presented on pages 53 and 54, of the accompanying eBook, and once you understand all of that, then simply watch Video 15, for some more in depth information about 8th notes.

Once all of that makes sense to you, simply progress to the next video and lecture within this section...

From pages 55 to 58 of The Complete Teach-Yourself Drummer's Guide eBook, there are 12, 8th note with quarter note, basic snare drum with bass drum, reading exercises for you to learn. Please note, these 12 exercises are in two bar repeated patterns.

When you're ready, simply watch the video (Video 16) where I'll demonstrate the first 6 of those exercises for you, and where you can also play those 6 exercises along with me.

Once you get the idea, your task is to learn all 12 of these exercises, on your own after that.

When you've completed doing so, please progress to the next video and subsequent lecture within this course.   

On pages 59 and 60 of the accompanying eBook, there are two, 8 bar repeated, 8th note with quarter note, reading exercises.

When you are ready, simply watch Video 17, where I'll demonstrate the first of these two 8 bar repeated exercises for you, and of course, where you will have the chance to play this first 8 bar repeated exercise, along with me.

Once you get the idea, please learn the 2nd of these 8 bar repeated exercises, on your own after that. Then when you're ready, simply progress to the next and final video (Video 18) and lecture within this 4th section...

This is the final video and lecture within this 4th section of The Complete Teach-Yourself Drummer's Guide, and once you've completed reading this lecture, plus once you've watched Video 18, then it's time to progress to the main drum set studies of the entire course.

So sections 5 all the way until the end of section 18, are the main drum set study sections of The Complete Teach-Yourself Drummer's Guide. However, it all depends on how well you have grasped these first 4 beginner sections, as to how well you will understand the rest of this course.

Understanding these first 4 beginner sections is the key that will enable you to easily progress through all of the main drum set studies of The Complete Teach-Yourself Drummer's Guide.

Therefore, make sure you have definitely fully understood all of these beginner sections first, before moving on.

So, having said that, let's now complete this final part of section 4 before moving on.

On pages 61 and 62 of the accompanying eBook, there are two more 8 bar repeated combination exercises for you to learn. These final two 8 bar combination exercises feature 8th notes with quarter notes, plus now having half notes added into the mix.

When you're ready, please watch Video 18, where I will demonstrate the first of these two 8 bar repeated exercises (and where you will be able to play that exercise along with me). Once you get the idea, then learn the second 8 bar repeated exercise on your own after that.

Once you've completed those tasks, and once you have reviewed all of the first 4 sections of this course, then simply progress to the next section (which is section 5).   

First of all, congratulation on completing the first four preliminary, basic theory sections. Now that you've done that, the fun really starts. Now it's time to learn a variety of rock beat patterns.

In this video (Video 19) you're going to first of all, take a look at, playing the hi hats. Like how to open and close them. Plus, how to tap the bass drum pedal, either doing so with your heal up or heal down.

You'll also learn about a few more symbols, that are utilized for drum notation purposes.

So once you're ready, simply watch Video 19, to get started progressing through this section...

When you're ready, please watch Video 20, for the explanations, as well as demonstrations, on how to play the 12 rock beat patterns, presented on page 66, of the accompanying eBook.

The first exercise, is simply a repeated bar of 8th notes, played on the closed hi hats.

Once you're comfortable playing consistent 8th notes on the closed hi hats, then progress to the second exercise, which incorporates 8th notes played on the closed hi hats, now with the bass being tapped with your right foot, on Beats 1 and 3.

Once that is understood, then progress to exercise 3, where you'll play constant 8th notes on the closed hi hats, with your right hand, with the snare, played with your left hand, on beats 2 and 4.

Exercise 3 is simply a mixture of exercises 1, 2 and 3 together, and this is the first basic rock beat pattern you'll learn.

In fact this beat is probably the most famous beat in all of pop music, ever since rock pop music began. For example this is the beat to Michael Jackson's Billy Jean.

The remaining rock beat patterns, on this page, have variations of the bass drum pattern, while you play straight 8th notes on the closed hi hats, with your right hand, with the snare drum being played on beats 2 and 4 with your left hand.

The only exception to this, are beats 7 and 8, where the snare drum, in both of those patterns, is played on beat 2, then on the "+" of 2, as well as beat 4.

Obviously please watch Video 20, for a more detailed explanation of all of this.

Now, once you've learned these rock beat variations, then your task is to try playing them, one by one, along to backing track no. 1. Once again please see the video, for more details about that as well.

Once you can play all 12 of these patterns, presented on page 66, along to backing track no. 1, then simply progress to the next video...

Now that you've learned the rock beats on page 66, and after you have been able to successfully play them each along to backing track no. 1, it's time to learn about the 8th note rest, and then to play a few basic 8th note, with 8th note rest, snare drum with bass drum reading exercises.

So just to re cap, this course incorporates a three step process, and those steps are as follows. 1 - to first learn timing. 2 - then to apply that timing to the drum set, in the form of coordinated drum beat patterns and fills etc. Then 3 - to practically apply those coordinated patterns along to the appropriate backing tracks.

In fact, you could think of the backing tracks as the practical tests, for each new coordinated grooves and patterns, that you'll learn.

With that in mind, in this lesson you are now going to be introduced to the 8th note rest. So the idea is to first master the basic snare drum with bass drum reading exercises, incorporating the 8th note rest, with 8th notes, and once you understand how to successfully do that, then on the next page, page 68, you'll learn some cool rock beat patterns, featuring off beat bass drum patterns, utilizing the 8th note rest.

So, when you're ready, please watch Video 21, for an explanation of the 8th note rest, along with a demonstration on how to play the four basic snare drum, with bass drum reading exercises, on page 67...   

Now that you've completed the basic snare drum with bass drum reading exercises, on page 67, of the eBook, the next step is to learn a variety of rock beat patterns, that feature off beat bass drum figures, utilizing the 8th note rest.

These rock beat patterns are presented on page 68, and once you've learned how to play each of them, separately, then try playing each pattern, one by one, along to backing track no. 2.

This applies to the 8 grooves, within the top section of page 68 of the eBook. So once you're able to master each of these 8 drum beat patterns, and you have been able to successfully play them along to backing track no. 2, then simply progress to the two exercises on the bottom of page 68.

These two exercises are in two bar repeated patterns and they have been designed for slightly faster tempos. So once you've masted each of these, two bar repeated drum beat patterns, then play each one along to backing track no 3.

Obviously all of this is presented within Video 22. So when you're ready, please watch Video 22 for full details...

OK, so now you're on page 69, of the accompanying eBook, and here we have 12 separate rock beat patterns, that feature some opened hi hat variations, added into the mix.

Obviously when you're ready, simply watch Video 23, for details on how to play these groove patterns, which includes some demonstrations of these patterns as well.

Firstly, learn each pattern separately, then when you're ready, try playing each groove pattern, one by one, along to backing track no. 4.

When you've been able to achieve all of that successfully, then go to the next lesson...   

Alright, so now you're up to page 70, of the accompanying eBook, and this is the final page of section 5. On this page, there are 6 separate two bar repeated drum groove patterns, that feature quarter notes, played on the half opened hi Hats.

When you're ready, simply watch Video 24, to learn the ins and outs of how to create this half opened hi hat effect, and how to play these coordinated drum beat patterns.

Once you're able to play each two bar groove pattern, on their own, then simply try playing each of these patterns, along to backing track no. 5.

Obviously, make sure you watch Video 24, to learn all the finer details about all of this, and when you've completed these tasks, then simply go to the next section, which is section number 6...   

In this lesson, which is presented on top half of page 72, of the accompanying eBook, you will firstly learn about 8th note triplets (please watch Video 25 for details).

There are two separate, basic snare drum with bass drum reading exercises to learn to play on this page, and the first one is a two bar repeated exercise, and this features 8th note triplets with quarter notes. And the second is an 8 bar repeated combination exercise.

Once you are comfortable playing exercise 1 over and over. Then go to exercise 2, the 8 bar repeated combination exercise.

Both of these exercises (and this applies to all of the basic snare drum reading exercises throughout this course) are played using alternating strokes (once again this is explained within the video).

Then when you're comfortable playing exercise 2, all the way through, then proceed to the next video, Video 26, to learn about the 8th note triplet rest...   

Having learned about 8th note triplets, and having completing the two exercises, at the top of page 72, now it's time to learn about the 8th note triplet rest. So when you're ready, please watch Video 26 for details.

This time you are at the bottom of page 72, where once again, there are two snare drum with bass drum, basic reading exercises to master, before moving onto the grooves, presented on the following page.

These 8th note triplet rest patterns, are often referred to as broken triplets, and they hold the key to learning how to play blues, shuffle and swing grooves, which will be presented on page 73.

So I won't go into any more details about this here, as everything is covered within the video. Therefore, without further ado, please watch Video 26...   

OK, so now that you've successfully completed all of the basic snare drum reading exercises, featuring 8th note triplets, plus 8th note triplet rests, on page 72, of the accompanying eBook, now it's time to learn four, fun to play, blues beat patterns.

Please note, there are four blues beat patterns, presented on the top section of page 73 and obviously for a full explanation and demonstration of these blues groove patterns, please watch Video 27 for details.

Once you've done that, and once you can play each of the blues beat patterns individually first, then play each pattern along to backing track no. 6.

Then when you've successfully been able to do that, please progress to the next lesson and subsequent video in this section...

I hope you enjoyed learning and playing the blues beats, especially playing them along to the backing track? Assuming that to be the case, now it's time to learn some shuffle rock beat patterns, and these are also super fun to learn and play as well.

So you're still on page 73 of the accompanying eBook, and presented in the middle section, of this page, are four shuffle rock beat patterns to learn.

Once again, please watch the video (Video 28 in this case) for full details on learning how to play these shuffle rock beat patterns.

When you've mastered each shuffle beat separately, then try playing each of the shuffle rock beat patterns, along to backing track 7.

Of course, once you've achieved that, then simply progress to the next page and video within this course... 

To complete the studies presented on page 73, and assuming that you're successfully learned all of the blues and shuffle rock grooves, also assuming that you've been able to play these patterns along to the appropriate backing tracks, let's now learn a couple of swing, or jazz style beats.

These two swing, or jazz style groove patterns, are presented on the bottom of page 73 of the accompanying eBook.

Just for the record, there's an entire section, within this course devoted to jazz coordination, and that is section 13. So these couple of swing, or jazz style grooves, will just get you started within this style. That way, by the time you reach section 13, you will already have an understanding of the basic swing concept.

OK, so when you're ready simply watch Video 29, and once you get the idea, from studying the tasks presented within this video, then try playing each swing style pattern, along to backing track no. 8.

Once all of that is taken care of, then simply progress to the next video lesson...

Now that you've completed all of the studies on page 73, of the accompanying eBook, let's take a look at learning some simple 8th note triplet drum set fills.

These 8th note triplet drum set fills, are presented on the top half of page 74. So when you're ready, simply watch Video 30, for the details on how to play these fills, and also to view my demonstrations of some of these fills.

Once you've done that, and once you can easily play these fills, without any problems, then simply go to the next lesson, (which is shown on the bottom half of page 74). There you'll learn how to play a couple of shuffle rock beats, with 8th note triplet fills, in 4 bar repeated patterns...

Now you're at the bottom half of page 74 of the accompanying eBook, and there you'll find two, 4 bar repeated, shuffle beat with 8th note triplet fill combinations.

These are a lot of fun to play and will open up the doors for exploring the concept of playing beats and fills together, which will be covered a lot more throughout this course.

When you're ready, please watch Video 31, to learn how to play these 4 bar patterns and also, so you can play them along with me.

Once you've gotten the idea, your task is to then play each of these 4 bar shuffle beats with triplet fill combinations, along to both backing tracks 9 and 10.

When you've successfully done that, then please progress to the page and lesson of this course... 

Now it's time to learn how to play some accented 8th note triplets. So please turn to page 75, of the accompanying eBook, and there you will find 18 separate accented 8th note triplet patterns.

Obviously when you watch Video 32, I will explain all about this and I will also demonstrate these accented patterns for you.

In fact, within this video presentation, I demonstrate the first 12 of these accented 8th note triplet patterns. Once you get the idea, then you can complete all 16, accented 8th note triplet exercises, on your own after that.

Once you have been able to understand and complete all of these accented exercises, on page 75, then simply progress to the next video lesson... 

Having completed all of the accented 8th note triplet exercises on page 75, the idea is to adapt these accented exercises, as drum set fills, featuring the various tom toms.

This concept is presented on the top of page 76, of the accompanying eBook, and when you're ready, please watch Video 33, for details on how to do this, as well as for some practical demonstrations.

This idea will also be presented again later, with accented 16th note patterns. But we'll worry about that when we get there.

So once you've watched Video 33 and you are able to play all of the accented 8th note triplet patterns on the previous page, in this way, then simply progress to the next lesson...

In this lesson, you are now going to learn how to create some four bar, shuffle beat, with triplet fill patterns, based on utilizing the adapted accented 8th note triplet exercises, as the fills.

Once you're ready, please watch Video 34, for details on how to do this, and for a demonstration on how to play the two examples, presented on the bottom of page 76, of the accompanying eBook.

Then once you have understood all of this and you can also make up a few of your own ideas, based on this concept, the next step is to play those patterns along to both backing tracks 9 and 10.

When all of that has been achieved, then simply progress to the next lesson, which in this case, will be the next section, section 7...     

First of all, congratulations on completing section 6. I hope you enjoyed working through all of the studies based on 8th notes triplets.

This section is based on learning to master 16th notes.

On the top half of page 78, of the accompanying eBook, there are two exercises to learn, that feature 16th notes, with quarter notes.

These are basic snare with bass drum reading exercises, and exercise 1, is a two bar repeated preliminary exercise. And exercise 2, is an 8 bar repeated, combination exercise.

When you're ready, please watch Video 35, to learn how to play both of these two exercises. Once again, you'll be utilizing alternating strokes.

Once you've completed both of these exercises successfully, then simply progress to the next lesson...   

Staying on the same page (page 78) let's now learn how to mix 16th notes, with 8th notes. Once again, featuring two exercises to learn, which are presented on the bottom half of page 78.

The first exercise, is a two bar repeated, preliminary exercise, and once you've mastered this exercise, then progress to exercise 2, which is an 8 bar repeated combination exercise. Once again, you'll be utilizing alternating strokes when playing these exercises.

So when you're ready, simply watch Video 36, to learn how to play both of these exercises. And once you've successfully been able to master both of these basic snare drum with bass drum reading exercises, then simply progress to the next lesson...

OK, so now that you've mastered the basic snare drum timing exercises, on the previous page (page 78) now it's time to learn some very cool, drum beat grooves, that feature constant 16th notes played with your right hand, on the closed hi hat cymbals, with the snare played, with your left hand, on beats 2 and 4, plus a variety of bass drum figures played underneath.

There are 6 of these grooves, are they are presented on the top of page 79. So when you're ready, please watch Video 37, for full details on how to play these groove patterns.

Once you can play each groove pattern, on their own first, then try to play each pattern, one by one, along to backing track no. 11.

When you've successfully completed all of that, simply progress to the next lesson, which are the two disco grooves, presented in the middle of this same page (page 79).   

The next step is to learn how to play a couple of disco groove patterns, that now feature alternating 16th notes, played with both hands, on the closed hi Hat cymbals.

These are also super fun to play, and these style of groove patterns are utilized a lot in many styles of music, not just disco. In fact, they are great for helping to develop clean and even sounding single stroke rolls, because they are simply the single stroke roll played, on the closed hi hats, with your right hand going from the closed hi hats, to the snare drum, on beats 2 and 4.

Obviously, when you're ready, simply watch Video 38, to learn the ins and outs of how to play these two groove patterns, and once you have no problems playing both of these disco style grooves patterns, then try playing them both along to backing track no. 12.

Once you've successfully mastered all of this, then simply progress to the next lesson after that...

Now you are at the bottom of page 79, of the Accompanying eBook, and here you will notice six separate one bar repeated exercises, that feature 16th notes, played around the drums, as drum set fills.

Obviously this is the same concept that you learned in the previous section, when you learned the variety of 8th note triplet drum set fills. Only this time, you'll be doing the same thing, but utilizing 16th notes.

So when you are ready, please watch Video 39, for full details on how to play these drum set fills, and for a demonstration of these drum fills as well.

Once you've fully mastered all of these 16th note, with 8th note drum set fills, and you can also make up a few of your own ideas, then simply progress to the next lesson...

Excellent stuff. So now please turn to page 80, where you are going to learn several four bar repeated exercises, that feature three bars of a rock grooves, followed by a bar of drum fills, based on 16th notes.

This idea is very similar to the shuffle rock beats, with 8th note triplets fill patterns, that you learned in the previous section. Only now, featuring straight 8th note style rock beat grooves, with 16th note drum set fills.

So when you're ready, please watch Video 40, for full details, plus some demonstrations on how to play these five, 4 bar repeated exercises, presented on page 80, of the accompanying eBook.

Once you're able to play each of these 4 bar repeated exercises on their own, then try playing them, one by one, along to both backing tracks 13 and 14.

Obviously once you've successfully completed all of that, then simply progress to the next lesson…

Now you're really getting there and hopefully by now you can see how this unique three step process, really works wonders.

This time, please turn to page 81, of the accompanying eBook, and there you will notice that this entire page is devoted to learning how to play accented 16th note patterns.

Now these accented 16th notes, are very similar to the accented 8th note triplet patterns, that you learned in the previous section, only now based on 16th notes.

Once again, you'll simply be playing alternating strokes (i.e. the single stroke roll) on the snare drum, while adding a variety of different accented patterns, within each exercise. These are a lot of fun to play and they are great for helping to develop your single stroke roll technique.

So, when you're ready, please watch Video 41, for full details on all of this, and to see some demonstrations, on how to play these 16th note, accented exercises.

Once you've successfully mastered each of these patterns, then simply progress to the next lesson...

Now that you've mastered all of the accented 16th note exercises, on page 81, please turn to page 82, of the accompanying eBook. On the top of this page, you will learn how to adapt these 16th note accented patterns, as drum set fills, utilizing the various tom toms.

This is very similar to what you learned in the previous section, relating to adapting the accented 8th note triplet exercises, as drum set fills. The only difference here, is that you're going to do the same thing, only this time, with 16th notes.

Once you're ready, please watch Video 42 for details on how to achieve all of this, and for the usual practical demonstrations.

The next part of this same lesson (which is covered within the video) is to now create four bar beat and drum fill combinations. So that means you'll play three bars of a rock type groove, and on the 4th bar, you'll play a drum set fill (utilizing the various adapted accented 16th note drum fill combinations).

This is once again, the same concept as what you learned in the previous section, relating to the shuffle beats, with the adapted accented 8th note triplet fills patterns. So now you are going to do the same thing, but this time, with rock beat grooves, plus the 16th note adapted accented fill ideas. Once again this is all covered within Video 42.

When you've understood all of this, then try playing these four bar beat and fill combinations, along to both backing tracks 13 and 14.

Once you've achieved all of that, then simply progress to the next lesson, presented on page 83...     

Now you're on page 83, of the accompanying eBook, and this entire page is devoted to learning a variety of single paradiddle drum set fills. These are super fun to learn and play, and they can all be utilized in a practical live performance setting.

Firstly, there are 18 of these single paradiddle fill ideas, and they start off fairly easy to play, and gradually progress to more complex patterns towards the end.

This just shows you, how these basic snare drum rudiments, can be utilized in musical ways, to create very interesting drum fill patterns (and also groove patterns as well, which will also be covered soon).

So the rudiments, are not just technical exercises, but rather patterns that can be well adapted to the drum set, in a variety of ways.

So, when you're ready, please watch Video 43, for full details on all of this, plus some demonstrations, on how to play these single paradiddle fill ideas.

Great work, and now we come to the end of section 7, where you're going to learn how to play, a variety of rock beats, with single paradiddle fill combinations, placed into 4 bar repeated exercises.

So once you've mastered all of the single paradiddle fills ideas, presented on the previous page, page 83, please turn to page 84, to learn 5 separate, 4 bar repeated rock beat, with single paradiddle fill combinations.

When you're ready, please watch Video 44, for instructions on how to play all of this, and of course, for some demonstrations as well.

Once you can play each of the 5 exercises, presented on page 84, then try playing each of these exercises, one by one, along to backing tracks 13 and 14. And when you've successfully achieved that, try to also make up some of your own ideas, based on this concept.

OK, so once you've done all of that, then simply progress to the next lesson. Which in this case, will be the next section...

First of all, congratulations on completing section 7. Now you're going to mix some odd and even patterns together. Once again, going back to the basics, you'll do this first, by learning a few basic snare drum, with bass drum reading exercises.

On top half of page 86, of the accompanying eBook, there are two exercises to learn, which are covered in this lesson (Video 45).

The first exercise, is a preliminary two bar repeated exercise, featuring a bar of 8th note triplets, followed by a bar of straight 8th notes, repeated.

Once you can play this exercise, then simply progress to the 2nd exercise, which is an 8 bar repeated combination exercise, featuring a random mixture of 8th note triplets, with 8th notes.

Obviously, when you're ready, please watch Video 45, for full details on all of this, plus a demonstration on playing both of these exercises. Also please note, and this applies to all of the basic snare drum reading exercises throughout this course, you'll play these exercises using alternating strokes.

Playing odds and evens, is a little strange at first, but will be easy enough for you, once you go through both of these exercises enough times.

When you've completed all of this, then simply progress to the next lesson, which is on the 2nd half of this page (page 86)...   

Now you're at the bottom half of page 86, where there are two basic snare drum, with bass drum reading exercises to learn.

As per usual, the first exercise, is a two bar repeated preliminary exercise, this time featuring 8th note triplets, with 16th notes. And once you master this exercise, then simply progress to the 2nd exercise, which is an 8 bar repeated combination exercise.

Obviously, when you're ready, please watch Video 46, for full details, on how to play both of these exercises, including the usual demonstrations on doing so.

Once you've understood all of this, and you have been able to successfully play both of these exercises, then simply progress to the next lesson, which is presented within Video 47.

OK, so now you're on the top half of page 87, and here we have an 8 bar repeated, combination exercise, that features, quarter notes, 8th notes, 8th note triplets and 16th notes, all mixed together.

This is a little more challenging to play, than the previous exercises, presented on page 87. Once again, don't forget to use alternating strokes, when playing this exercise.

So when you're ready, simply watch video 47, for the usual detailed explanation and demonstrations of all of this. Then when you're completed this task, please progress to the next lesson, which is presented on the 2nd half of this same page (page 87).

On the second half of page 87, of the accompanying eBook, there are three, 4 bar repeated exercises, that feature some basic rock beats, with drum set fills, utilizing the odd and even combinations, you've learned so far, within this section, for the drum fills.

The idea here is to first of all, learn how to play these exercise, on their own first. Once you can do that, then simply play each of these three exercises in time, along to both backing tracks 13 and 14.

So when you're ready, simply watch video 48, for full details on all of this, plus the usual demonstration of these exercises.

Once you've mastered these three combination exercises, and you've been able to make up a few of your own ideas, then simply progress to the next lesson... 

Now you're on the top half of page 88, of the accompanying eBook, and here we're going to go back to a bit of theory, to learn about dotted notes.

First of all, please read the information, about dotted notes, presented on the top half of this page. Then when you're ready, simply watch Video 49, for more details on this subject.

Once you've gotten your head around how a dot placed next to a note works, then please proceed to the next lesson, which is shown on the bottom of this same page (page 88).   

Staying on page 88, of the accompanying eBook, you're now at the bottom half of this page, and here we have a 16 bar combination exercise, that features, dotted half notes, dotted quarter notes, with half notes, quarter notes, and 8th notes.

When you're ready, please watch Video 50, for details on how to play this exercise, and once you've successfully been able to play this exercise, all the way through, then simply progress to the next lesson, which is on the following page (page 89).

You're now up to page 89, and on the top part of this page, you have two exercises to learn, that are based on mixing 16th notes, with dotted 8th notes.

The first of these two exercises, is the preliminary, two bar repeated exercise, and once you've mastered this exercises, please progress to exercise 2.

Exercise 2, is an 8 bar repeated combination exercise, which features a random mixture of dotted 8th notes, with 16th notes.

As always, these basic snare drum reading exercises, are the key to being able to apply the various timing combinations, to coordinated drum beat patterns and fills.

In fact, all coordinated drum beat patterns, come from the understanding of these basic timing exercises, which is why these type of, hand to hand basic reading exercises, are so important.

So when you're ready, please watch Video 51, for a full demo and explanation of these patterns. And once you can play both of these exercises, without any issues, then simply progress to the next lesson...   

Staying on page 89, at the bottom of this page, you have one, 8 bar repeated, combination exercise to learn, which features a mixture of each of the dotted note patterns, you've learned so far, throughout this section.

As always, and of course this applies to all of the basic snare drum reading exercises presented throughout this course, make sure you play them using alternating strokes. The idea in utilizing alternating strokes, is for you to become totally familiar with phrasing, either starting with your left, or right hand. In fact when you get to the more advanced studies, later on, learning how to do this, will become very apparent by then.

OK, so when you're ready, please watch Video 52, for full details on this, and to view a demonstration of how to play this particular combination exercise.

Once you've successfully been able to master this exercise, please progress to the next lesson, which is the final lesson within this section...

Turning now to page 90, of the accompanying eBook, which is the final lesson within this section, this is where you're now going to apply what you've learned throughout this section, to the drum set, in the form of coordinated drum beat patterns, featuring rock beats, based on dotted 8th notes, with 16th notes.

There are 12 fun to play, drum grooves to learn on this page, and this particular drum beat style, is very popular, so you would have heard these grooves played on many famous tunes.

So when you're ready, please check out Video 53, for full details. plus demonstrations on how to play these drum groove patterns.

Once you can play each of these grooves, on their own first, then try playing them, one by one, along to backing track 15.

When you can do that successfully, try mixing them up. For example, try going from say, beat 1, for two, or four bars, then to say, beat 4, for two or four bars, and so on. This idea helps you get familiar with switching up the grooves at will.

Once you've successfully been able to achieve all of that, then go to the next lesson, which in this case, will be in the next section...

Congratulations on completing section 8. Now you're about to start working through section 9 and this is a little longer than most of the previous sections, because this section is focused on leaning each of the various 16h note combinations (variations, or subdivisions) one by one.

In fact, I've only ever seen this type of meticulous break down of the various 16th note subdivisions, presented in this way, within one other book, which goes by the name of, "modern reading text in 4/4, by Louse Belson. This is a great book by the way, and if you can obtain a copy, I would highly recommend that you do so.

There are 10 separate 16th note combinations, presented within this section, and as you learn each combination, which is firstly presented, as basic snare reading exercises, where once you master those basic snare drum reading exercises, then you'll learn some drum beat patterns, based on each of the 16th note combination, as they are presented. So that gives you an idea of how this section will unfold.

Therefore, by the time you complete this section, you will have no problems instantly recognizing any 16th note combination, presented to you.

In this lesson, which is presented on the top of page 92, of the accompanying eBook, we are going to focus on the first of these 16th note combinations, and this combination is all about putting 16th note rests, on each of the downbeats, i.e. putting 16th note rests, on beats 1, 2, 3 and 4. This means you will be playing the "e + a's" only.

Please note, each of these 16th note combinations, are introduced via two basic snare reading exercises first, with the first exercise being a two bar repeated combination exercise, and the second exercise, being an 8 bar repeated combination exercise. So this format will be utilized throughout.

So now that you have a good idea of what this is all about, when you're ready, please watch video 54, for the specific lesson, and demonstration, of 16th note combination #1.

When you've successfully completed this lesson, then simply progress to the next lesson, were you'll learn six drum beat patterns, that are based on 16th note combination #1...  

Now that you've learned, and hopefully mastered, 16th note combination #1, on the top of of page 92, now it's time to learn, the six separate drum groove patterns, that are based on this 16th note combination.

So when you're ready, please watch video 55, for full details of how to play these beats, and for the usual demonstrations.

Once you can play each drum beat pattern, on their own first, then try playing them, one by one, along to backing track 16.

Once you've successfully been able to achieve all of that, then simply progress to the next page, of the accompanying eBook, to learn 16th note combination #2.

Now that you've completed the first 16th note combination, now it's time to learn the second variation.

16th note combination #2, is a reversed version of 16th note combination #1. So this time, the 16th note rests are placed on all of the "a's." This means you'll play the "1 e +'s" only.

Please note, there are two ways to write this timing, which are shown, in both bars of exercise 1.

Once you've mastered the first two bar repeated preliminary exercise, then progress to the second, 8 bar repeated combination exercise. Obviously, and as always, with these basic snare drum reading exercises, you'll need to play these exercises, using alternating strokes.

So once you're ready, please watch Video 56, for the actual lesson and demonstration, on how to do all of this, and once you've completed and understood both of these basic snare drum reading exercises, presented on the top of page 93, then progress to the next lesson (presented at the bottom of this same page) to learn the associated matching drum beat patterns..

Having completed and hopefully mastering, both of the basic snare drum reading exercises for learning 16th note combination #2, now it's time to learn some drum beat patterns, that are based on this 16th note combination.

So when you are ready, please watch Video 57, for the ins and outs, of how to play these drum beat patterns, which includes the usual demonstrations.

Once you've done that, and you can play each of these drum grooves, on their own first, then play them, one by one, along to backing track 16...

When that's all taken care of, please proceed to the next lesson.

Now that you're getting into the swing of things, simply progress to page 94, to learn 16th note combination #3.

On the top of this page, there are the usual two basic snare drum reading exercises, and in this case we're going to be taking all of the "e's" out. So that means we'll play the "1 + a's," etc. only. 

Once again, there are two ways of writing this timing, and they are shown in bars 1 and 2, of exercise 1.

So when you're ready, simply watch the guide lesson on how to do all of this, which is Video 58.

When you've mastered both of the basic snare reading exercises, based on 16th combination #3, then proceed to the next lesson, to learn the six drum beat patterns, that are based on this 16th note combination...

Having mastered the two basic snare drum reading exercises, based on 16th note combination #3, now it's time to learn six drum beats patterns, that are based on this 3rd, 16th note combination.

When you're ready, please watch Video 59, for full details on how to play these six groove patterns, and when you can play each drum beat pattern on their own, then try playing them, one by one, along to backing track 16.

Once you've achieved all of that, please proceed to page 95, for the next drum lesson in this section...

Before you learn the next 16th note combination (16th note combination #4) let's turn to page 95, to take a look at combining, both 16th note combinations #2 and #3 together.

Once again, there are two basic reading exercises to learn first. So when you're ready, please watch Video 60, for details, and the official lesson on how to do all of this.

Once you've completed the two basic snare drum reading exercises, on the top of page 95, then simply proceed to the next lesson, which is on the bottom of this same page, to learn six drum beat patterns, that are based on combining both the these 16th note combinations...

In this lesson you are going to learn six drum beat patterns that are based on combining the two previous 16th note combinations.

So when you're ready, please watch Video 61, for your guide lesson and demonstrations, on how to do all of this.

After doing so, and once you can play each groove pattern on their own first, then try playing them one by one, along to backing track 16.

Once you've successfully achieved all of that, please proceed to the next lesson, which is on page 96...

OK, so now, let's not only combine 16th note combinations #2 and #3 together, let's also add the dotted 8th note with 16th note combination drum grooves, you learned in the previous section (i.e. on page 90). The idea here is to come up with some very interesting R&B style grooves.

Therefore, if you turn to page 96, you'll notice that there are 12 separate drum beat patterns, based on mixing these three 16th notes combinations together, and when you are ready, please watch Video 62, for the lesson and demonstrations, on how to play these grooves.

Your task overall, is to not only be able to play each of these groove patterns, on their own, but to also play them one by one, along to backing track 16. And when you can do that, also try mixing up the drum beat patterns, when playing them along to backing track 16.

Obviously I cover this within the video, so please watch Video 62 for details.

When you've achieved all of that, then simply progress to page 97, to learn 16th note combination #4... 

In his lesson, you're going to learn 16th combination #4. 16th note combination #4 is all about playing the "+ a's" only. So that means placing 16th note rests on all of the downbeats, as well as the "e's."

As usual, there are two basic snare drum reading exercises to master first, and please note, there are two ways of writing this timing, which are presented in the first and second bars of exercise 1.

Obviously, please watch Video 63, for the lesson and demonstrations, of how to do this, and one you've done that and when you can successfully play both of these basic snare timing exercises, on on the top of page 97, then simply proceed to the next lesson...

Having mastered the two basic snare reading exercises, for learning 16th note combination #4, presented on the top of page 97, now it's time to learn six drum beat patterns, based on this 16th note combination.

So when you're ready, please watch Video 64, for details and the demonstrations on how to do this. And once you can play each drum groove on their own, then try playing them one by one, along to backing track 16...

Once you can do all of that, please proceed to the next lesson...

You are now at the half way point of this section, and now it's time to learn 16th note combination #5.

16th note combination #5, is a reversed version of the previous 16th note combination. So that means you will be playing the downbeats and the "e's" only. So resting on all of the "+ a's."

When you're ready, please watch Video 65 for details, and once you can play both of the basic snare drum reading exercises, presented on the top of page 98, then proceed to the next lesson...

On the second half of page 98, there are six drum beats patterns to learn, that are based on 16th note combination #5.

When you are ready, please watch Video 66, for the lesson and demonstrations, on how to play these drum beats, and once you can play each drum beat pattern, on their own, then try playing them, one by one, along to backing track 16.

Once you've achieved that, then simply proceed to the next lesson...

In this lesson, you are going to learn 16th note combination #6. This 16th note combination is all about playing the "e +'s" only. So that means resting on all of the downbeats and the "a's."

There are three ways of writing this timing, and they are each shown within the first two bars of exercises 1.

As per usual, there are two basic snare drum reading exercises to learn first, and once you have mastered both of these two exercises, then proceed to the next lesson, to learn the drum beat patterns based on this 16th note combination.

Obviously, please watch Video 67, for the official lesson and demonstrations, on how to do all of this, and once you've done so, and once you can play both of these basic snare drum reading exercises, then please progress to the next lesson...

Assuming that you've mastered the two basic snare reading exercises, on the top of page 99, now it's time to learn the six drum beat patterns, that are based on this 16th note combination.

So when you're ready, please watch Video 68, for the official lesson and demonstrations, on how to play these six drum beat patterns, and once you can successfully play each of these grooves, on their own first, then try playing them, one by one, along to backing track 16.

When you've been able to achieve all of that, please proceed to the next lesson...

Now it's time to learn 16th note combination #7 and this combination is all about playing the "e's" only.

Please note there are three ways to write this timing, and they are shown within both bars of exercise 1, at the top of page 100.

As usual, there are two basic snare drum reading exercises to learn first, and obviously when you're ready, please watch Video 69, for the lesson and demonstrations associated with learning this 16th note combination.

Once you can play both of these exercises, without any issues, then simply proceed to the next lesson...

Once again, assuming that you've mastered both of the basic snare drum reading exercises, on the top of page 100, now it's time to learn the six drum beat patterns, presented on the bottom of page 100, that feature, 16th note combination #7.

So when you're ready, please watch Video 70, for the official lesson and demonstrations, on how to play these six drum beat patterns.

Once can play each drum groove, on their own first, then try playing them, one by one, along to backing track 16.

Please note, if anything, it gets harder to place beats on just the 'e's" and that also applies to the next lesson, where you'll play the hits on the "a's" only. So having more space in music, is actually more intricate, than simply filling up all the notes.

This is one of the benefits of mastering each of these 16th note combination timing exercise individually, in this way.

So the idea, in doing things this way, is to develop a very accurate understanding of placing beats exactly where you wish to, instead of just playing a constant barrage of notes, which unfortunately seems to be the way many musicians in general, like to play these days.

Funk and the contemporary jazz style of music, relies more on beat placement (otherwise known as syncopation) rather than constant chops, or constant flashy technique. This drum course is about mastering that approach as well, so that way you have a choice.

Anyhow, once you can play each of the drum beat patterns, on their own first, then try playing them one by one, along to backing track 16.

When that's all taken care of, please progress to the next lesson...     

Now let's proceed to page 101, of the accompanying eBook, to learn 16th note combination #8. On the top of this page, there are the usual two, basic snare drum reading exercises to learn first.

16th note combination #8, is all about placing the beats on the "a's" only. Once again there are three ways to write this timing, and they are each shown within bars one and two, of exercise 1, at the top of page 101. 

So when you're ready, simply watch Video 71, for the official lesson and demonstrations, on how to play these two exercises, and once you've understood all of this, and once you have been able to successfully play both of these basic snare drum reading exercises, then please progress to the next lesson...

On the bottom half of page 101, there are six drum beats patterns to learn, that are based on, or that feature, 16th note combination #8.

So when you're ready, please watch Video 72, for details on how to play these drum grooves, and for the usual demonstrations.

Once you can play each drum beat pattern, on their own first, then try playing them, one by one, along to backing track 16. Once you've achieved all of that, then please proceed to the next lesson...

Now you're on page 102, of the accompanying eBook, and on the top of this page, there are the usual two, basic snare drum reading exercises to learn first.

This time you'll be learning 16th combination #9, and this 16th note combination, is all about taking the "+'s" out (i.e. playing the downbeats, the "e's" and "a's" only).

There are two ways to write this timing, and they are shown in bars one and two, of exercise 1, at the top of page 102.

So when you're ready, please watch Video 73, for the official drum lesson, on how to play this timing, and once you can play both of these basic snare drum reading exercises successfully, then please proceed to the next lesson...

Now that you've understood, and have hopefully mastered, both of the basic snare drum reading exercises, presented on the top of page 102, now it's time to learn six drum beat patterns, based on this 16th note combination.

These grooves are a lot of fun to play, and when you're ready, please watch Video 74, for the official lesson on how to play these six drum grooves, and for the usual demonstration of such.

Then once you can successfully play each drum beat pattern, on their own first, then try playing them one by one, along to backing track 16.

Once you have achieved all of that, then progress to the next lesson...

OK, so now you are on page 103, and you are about to learn the final of the ten, 16th note combinations.

I would say this combination is the hardest one to play, mainly because you'll be playing on the "e's" and "a's" only. So that means, resting on the downbeats and the "+'s," which means playing only on the off beats. Therefore this will take a bit of getting used to.

Once again, there are two basic snare drum reading exercises to learn first, and there are two ways of writing this timing, which are shown within each bar of exercise 1, on the top of page 103.

When you're ready, please watch Video 75, for the official drum lesson, on how to play both of these exercises, and once you've successfully been able to do so, please proceed to the bottom of this same page, to learn the six drum patterns, that feature this 10th, 16th note combination...   

OK, so now you're on the bottom of page 103, and ready to learn the six drum beats patterns, that feature, 16th note combination #10.

So when you're ready, please watch Video 76, for the drum lesson and demonstration on how to play these grooves.

Once you can play each drum beat pattern, on their own first, then try playing them, one by one, along to backing track 16.

Then once you've successfully been able to achieve all of that, simply proceed to the final lesson of this section...

First of all, well done for making through learning the ten, 16th note combinations, presented within this section.

For the final lesson of this section, you are now going to be tested on how well you mastered each of these combinations individually.

As mentioned earlier, most books, or courses even, do not go through each 16th note combination in this way. Instead, they usual present the 16th note variations, similar to exercise 1, on page 104, and that means, somehow you're expected to simply know, or instantly recognize, all of the 16th combinations, having not learned each one separately.

So, now that you've spent time learning each 16th note combination, on their own individually, this should make things much easier for you, when reading random style timing, from now on.

Hopefully, that makes sense, and so when you're ready, please watch video 77, for the official lesson on how to play this, "all in one exercise," and also for a demonstration, as well as, on how to interpret this, and other similar exercises like this, as drum set fills.

Once you've successfully achieved all of that, then proceed to the next lesson, which in this case, will be the next section (section 10)...

Congratulations once again, on completing section 9. You've now completed all of the important preliminary studies, presented throughout this course. And from now on, you're expected to know how to recognize and play, any mixed 16th note combination.

Therefore, on page 106, of the accompanying eBook, you are presented with 12 separate 16th note based, drum set fills, and your task is to learn each of these drum fills, and then to expand on them, by making up some of your own ideas.

Regarding the sticking to use, this can be subjective, as to whatever you feel works best for you. Most of the time however, basic alternating strokes are the best choice. Though many of the fills, can be played much easier, when changing the sticking to suit a more comfortable way to play around the kit.

A perfect example of this, is in exercise 1, where playing R-RL (on the first beat of the bar) works way better than playing R-LR. And then playing alternating strokes after that. Don't worry, because this is all covered within the video.

So when you're ready, please watch Video 78, for the official drum lesson and demonstrations, of these various drum set fills.

Once you can do all of that, and once you have been able to make up a few of your own ideas, simply proceed to the next lesson...       

Having learned the variety of drum set fills, on the page 106, that are based on the various 16th note combinations, now it's time to place rock beats, with these drum set fills, together, into 4 bar repeated combinations.

On page 107, of the accompanying eBook, there are five examples of doing this, and once you play these five examples, try making up some of your own ideas. Once again, this is all covered within the video lesson, for this particular study.

So when you're ready, please watch Video 79, for details and the usual demonstrations, on how to do all of this. And once you're successfully been able to master all of these, four bar repeated, beat and fill combinations (which includes making up some of your own ideas) then simply progress to the next lesson...

Let's now turn to page 108, of the accompanying eBook, to learn 12, rock, funk, and R&B style drum grooves. These are particularly fun to learn and play, and once you can play these grooves, on their own first, then try playing them, one by one, along to backing track 17.

Obviously, this is all covered within the video lesson (Video 80). So when you're ready, please watch Video 80 for full details on how to achieve all of this. Also don't forget to play these patterns along to backing track 17.

Once you can do all of that, please progress to the next lesson...   

Based on what you learned, in the previous lesson, you're now going to do more of the same. So simply turn to page 109, of the accompanying eBook, to learn 12 more of these interesting, rock, funk, and R&B style drum grooves.

This is all covered within Video 81. So when you're ready, please watch this video lesson, for full details on how to play these grooves, and to view some demonstrations as well.

Once you can play each groove pattern, on their own first, then try playing them, one by one along to backing track 17 (see Video 81 for details).

When you've accomplished all of that, please progress to the next lesson...

On page 110, of the accompanying eBook, there are 12 more rock, funk and R&B style drum grooves for you to learn. Only this time, these drum grooves include some opened hi hat patterns, added into the mix.

When you're ready, please watch Video 82, for the official lesson on how to play these grooves, and for the demonstrations of most of these drum groove patterns.

Once you can play each groove on their own, then try playing them, one by one, along to backing track 17 (see Video 82 for full details about this).

When you've been able to achieve all of that, then simply proceed to the next lesson...

On page 111, of the accompanying eBook, there are 12 funky, syncopated drum grooves to learn, that feature constant quarter notes, played on the ride cymbal (or RC). These grooves also feature a variety of off beat opened hi hat patterns.

I'm sure you'll enjoy learning and playing these drum groove patterns. So when you're ready, please watch Video 83, for the lesson on how to play these patterns, which includes the usual demonstrations.

Please note, instead of playing constant quarter notes on the ride cymbal, try alternatively, to play on the bell of the ride cymbal instead, or even on a cow bell (if you have one). This is covered within the video by the way.

As always, once you can play each groove separately, then try playing them, one by one, along to (in this case) backing track 18.

When you've achieved all of that, please progress to the next lesson...

OK, so now you are at the final lesson of this section, and to close this section, lets now learn 12 funky drum groove patterns, that feature alternating strokes, played on the closed hi hats, with some opened hi hat patterns, added into the mix.

These are kind of disco type grooves, but a little more funky and syncopated, so I'm sure you are going to have a lot of fun learning and playing these drum groove patterns.

Therefore, once you're ready, please watch Video 84, for the official lesson on how to play these 12 groove patterns, and for the usual demonstrations, of these patterns as well.

Once you can play each groove pattern, on their own first, then try playing them, one by one, along to backing track 19 (this of course, is all covered within the video lesson).

Then once you've achieved all of that, simply progress to the next lesson, which in this case, will be the next section, section 11...