Progressive Subdivision Exercise
Happy New Year!
This month I’m sharing a fairly simple exercise but one that can have a lot of uses on both the practice pad and the drum set. I’m calling it a Progressive Subdivision, as every bar progresses in the number of notes (2 notes groupings all the way to 8 note groupings). This will be really useful to work on both your timing and hand strength.
As presented in the video, I’m considering 2 different stickings to try at 2 different tempos, first at 60bpm, and then 80bpm.
Download the entire Exercise PDF.
The app I’m using throughout this video is SYNKD – check it out!
1.RLRL Alternating Sticking
For Sticking #1, you’ll simply alternate every single stroke. Right hand, then left. Or, left, then right. In doing so, a few things will happen naturally. Each odd note grouping, so the 3s, 5s, and 7s, will utilize a right-hand and then left-hand lead. While the even note groupings will lead with whichever hand you started with – in this case, all on the right hand. Pay close attention to the unaccented notes and keep them dynamically proportionate to the accented notes at the beginning of each note grouping.
Transcription: Dan Ainspan
2. Rudimental Stickings
For Sticking #2, we’re utilizing double strokes and rudiments. This will really help develop individual hand control and your rudimentary knowledge! Bar 2 features 2 rights followed by a left, which is really an execution of the Moeller technique ,or 1 true motion of your arm to get all 3 strokes. The 4 note grouping in Bar 3 features our standard paradiddle, and you’ll notice some unique stickings for the other groupings. Check out the video above for an explanation of each subdivision.
Transcription: Dan Ainspan
Now it’s your turn…
I hope you find this exercise useful. Once this is comfortable in the hands and on the practice pad, it’s time to take this exercise to the kit! I changed it up a bit in the video and even experimented with entirely new stickings while maintaining the same note groupings.
Tag me in your practice videos and best wishes for a productive year in your drumming!
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