Afro-Cuban 6/8 Groove Variation
Free Lessons
•
3m 39s
You can either think about this style of groove in 4/4 through 1/8th note triplets, or in 6/8 through 1/8th notes. Note that if interpreted in 4/4, the groove is 1 bar in length, if interpreted in 6/8, it is 2 bars in length. This style of groove may also sometimes be notated in 12/8, in which case it is played through 1/8th notes but is only 1 bar in length.
In this variation I have incorporated a range of sounds- cowbell, rimclick, toms, ride, bell of ride, and organised them into a very specific order. This order however could be changed if you like, and remember you can also improvise with the sounds you are using as you play the groove. Moving the left hand around the toms is a fairly typical characteristic of Latin American grooves, however the switching of the right hand from the cowbell to the bow of the ride cymbal then to the bell is a slightly more creative choice. Try thinking about what timbres and textures you want within the groove and try coming up with your own unique version.
Up Next in Free Lessons
-
Rudimentary Swing Part 1
Part 1 focuses on the flam tap and flam accent rudiments and how they can be used to swing. When adding the four on the floor bass drum pattern you will most likely find it best to keep your heel down in order to achieve the feathered effect.
When changing up the phrasing by alternating the t...
-
Broken 16th Hi-Hat Groove
A pop groove using broken 16ths on the hi-hat, an open hi-hat and a drag on the snare.
-
Barrowland Ballroom Drum Sound Check
Sound Checking the kit before Sara ‘N’ Junbug’s 2019 Glasgow Pride gig at the iconic Barrowland Ballroom. This very stage has hosted artists such as Oasis, U2, The Clash, Big Country, Muse and The Foo Fighters in years gone by!
