How To Play Every Drum Style From Afro Cuban To Zydeco

Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of drumming and explore a wide range of styles? Whether you're a beginner or an experienced drummer, mastering different drumming styles can elevate your skills and open doors to new musical opportunities. From the rhythmic beats of Afro-Cuban music to the foot-stomping grooves of Zydeco, this article will guide you through the essentials of playing various drum styles, providing tips and insights to help you become a versatile and well-rounded drummer.

1. Afro-Cuban Rhythms

Afro-Cuban drumming is deeply rooted in the vibrant and diverse culture of Cuba, blending African and Caribbean influences. To master this style, you'll need to familiarize yourself with traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms such as the Mambo, Cha-Cha-Cha, and Rumba. Focus on developing a strong sense of timing and groove, paying attention to the various percussion instruments used in this style, including congas, bongos, and timbales.

2. Brazilian Samba

Originating from Brazil, Samba is a lively and infectious style that will get your feet moving. The main challenge lies in mastering the intricate patterns on the snare drum and bass drum, known as the Samba clave. Practice your independence skills by coordinating your hands and feet while maintaining a steady rhythm. Additionally, learning about the rich cultural heritage behind Samba will enhance your understanding of this captivating style.

The Drummer's Bible: How to Play Every Drum Style from Afro-Cuban to Zydeco

by Morton Manus(Second Edition, Second edition, Kindle Edition with Audio/Video)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	135602 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

3. Jazz Drumming

Jazz drumming offers a limitless world of improvisation and creativity. As a jazz drummer, you'll need to develop exceptional listening skills and a deep understanding of swing and syncopation. Emphasize the use of brushes, cymbals, and snare drum techniques to achieve that classic jazz sound. Familiarize yourself with the works of legendary jazz drummers like Art Blakey, Buddy Rich, and Elvin Jones to gain inspiration for your own playing.

4. Reggae

Reggae music, originating from Jamaica, has an unmistakable rhythm that is characterized by the prominent use of the kick drum on the third beat. Mastering the "one-drop" and "steppers" styles is essential for playing reggae drums. Focus on adding syncopated patterns on the hi-hat to create a dynamic groove. Listening to renowned reggae bands such as Bob Marley and The Wailers will help you internalize the essence of this genre.

5. Funk Grooves

If you're looking to get into the groove, funk drumming is the way to go. With its syncopated rhythms, tight snare hits, and intricate bass drum patterns, funk music demands precision and a solid sense of timing. Focus on mastering ghost notes, syncopation, and incorporating various drumming techniques such as the Moeller method. James Brown, Tower of Power, and Parliament-Funkadelic are great artists to study for inspiration.

6. Zydeco

Zydeco is a highly energetic music style that originated in Louisiana. It combines elements of Cajun, Creole, and African rhythms. Zydeco drumming features lively two-steps and waltzes with a strong focus on the kick drum. Mastering the shuffle groove and incorporating the signature beats of this style will make your drumming feel irresistibly danceable. Immerse yourself in the sounds of Clifton Chenier and Buckwheat Zydeco to capture the essence of Zydeco.

By exploring these various drumming styles, you'll expand your musical vocabulary and become a versatile drummer capable of adapting to different genres. Remember to practice regularly, listen to different artists within each style, and experiment with your own creativity. Each style has its own unique characteristics and challenges, so keep pushing your boundaries and enjoy the journey of discovering new drumming horizons.

The Drummer's Bible: How to Play Every Drum Style from Afro-Cuban to Zydeco

by Morton Manus(Second Edition, Second edition, Kindle Edition with Audio/Video)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	135602 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Updated to include 50 additional grooves, this encyclopedic book contains more than 450 musical examples in standard notation, showing grooves and practical variations. Overviews of the history and development of almost all popular music styles are covered alongside innumerable helpful performance tips. This book features performances of nearly 200 of the grooves, including every primary style example, all performed both with and without a click track. Styles covered include blues, rock, jazz, reggae, country, klezmer, ska, samba, punk, surf, heavy metal, latin rock, and funk; virtually every style a performing drummer will ever need to play is in there. This revised second edition also includes an updated bibliography and discography, as well as more historical information about the individual styles.