13 Levels of Drumming: Easy to Complex | WIRED

Summary

In this engaging drum tutorial, Larnell Lewis takes viewers through various levels of drumming complexity, starting with basic beats and evolving into intricate patterns. He explores the bass and snare drum fundamentals, introduces hi-hat techniques, and delves into grooves, rudiments, polyrhythms, and orchestration. Lewis emphasizes the importance of expression and storytelling through drumming, demonstrating how to elevate energy with fills and embellishments. His passion for drumming shines as he encourages finding one's unique voice on the instrument.

Takeaways

• 🥁 The script is a drumming tutorial by Larnell Lewis, focusing on the progression of drumming complexity.
• 🎶 The tutorial starts with the basics, explaining the concept of 'four on the floor' with the bass drum on beats one and three.
• 📖 Level two introduces the snare drum, emphasizing the backbeat on beats two and four, which is a common drumming phrase.
• 👟 Level three adds the hi-hat, playing consistently on all four quarter notes, creating a groove or drum pattern when combined with the bass and snare.
• 🌟 The importance of the hi-hat's role in creating different sounds by adjusting the foot pressure is highlighted, with 'open' and 'closed' hi-hat techniques.
• 🎵 The script demonstrates the transition between funk and rock grooves, noting the emphasis on the downbeat in both styles but with different energy distribution.
• 🔢 Level five delves into drum rudiments, such as single and double strokes, and paradiddles, which are fundamental rhythmic patterns for drummers.
• 🎵 Accents and hi-hat bark are introduced as techniques to add expression and coordination to the drumming.
• 🔄 Syncopation is explained as a method to create complex rhythms by accenting off-beats, contributing to the overall groove.
• 🎶 The concept of polyrhythms is introduced as a higher level of complexity, where two rhythms are layered on top of each other.
• 🎹 Orchestration is presented as a way to vary rhythms by moving them across different parts of the drum kit, showcasing four-way independence.
• 🚀 Drum fills are described as transitions or energy elevators within a song, demonstrating different levels of complexity and rhythmic variety.
• 🌈 Embellishments are added to drum fills to create more expression and excitement, building upon the foundational patterns.
• 💡 A final tip emphasizes the importance of breathing while drumming and the art of finding one's unique drumming voice through the levels of complexity.

Q & A

Who is Larnell Lewis and what roles does he have in the music industry?

Larnell Lewis is a drummer, composer, and educator. He is known for his work in various music genres and for his educational contributions to the field of drumming.

What is the main theme of the video script provided?

The main theme of the video script is exploring the levels of complexity in drumming, from basic patterns to advanced techniques such as polyrhythms and orchestration.

What does Larnell Lewis consider as the first level of complexity in drumming?

Larnell Lewis considers the bass drum as the first level of complexity in drumming, emphasizing its placement on beats one and three in a 4/4 time signature.

What is the role of the snare drum in the second level of drumming complexity?

In the second level of complexity, the snare drum is used to provide the backbeat, typically placed on beats two and four, which is a common phrase in drumming.

How does Larnell Lewis describe the hi-hat's role in drumming?

Larnell Lewis describes the hi-hat as an interesting part of the drum kit that can be played consistently, with the hi-hat being played on all four quarter notes in the third level of complexity.

What is a groove in drumming and how is it related to drum patterns?

A groove in drumming is a term used to describe a drum pattern that is played consistently and forms the rhythmic foundation of a song. It is created by combining different elements like the bass drum, snare drum, and hi-hat.

What is the difference between a funk groove and a rock groove according to Larnell Lewis?

According to Larnell Lewis, a funk groove tends to have a tighter hi-hat sound and emphasizes the downbeat with the bass drum. A rock groove also emphasizes the downbeat but has a more open hi-hat sound throughout the groove, creating a more evenly spaced energy.

What are drum rudiments and how do they contribute to the complexity of drumming?

Drum rudiments are a grouping of notes or rhythms defined by stickings, which dictate when to play with the right hand versus the left hand. They contribute to the complexity of drumming by providing a foundation for more advanced techniques and expressions.

What is a paradiddle and how is it used in drumming?

A paradiddle is a drum rudiment that consists of a specific sticking pattern: right-left-right-right or left-right-left-left. It is used to create a more expressive and complex rhythm within a drum pattern.

What is the concept of 'open hi-hat' and 'closed hi-hat' as explained by Larnell Lewis?

The 'open hi-hat' refers to a sound produced when the drummer raises their foot slightly, allowing the cymbals to spread apart and create a shimmering, sizzling sound. The 'closed hi-hat' is the sound produced when the foot is pressed down, creating a more tight and direct sound.

How does Larnell Lewis define a drum fill and what is its purpose in a song?

A drum fill, as defined by Larnell Lewis, is a rhythmic phrase played on the drum kit that leads into another section of a song or helps to elevate the energy of the music. It can also be used to bring the energy down or transition between different parts of a composition.

What is orchestration in drumming and how does it add to the complexity?

Orchestration in drumming involves taking a rhythm and assigning it to different parts of the drum set with each hand and foot playing different rhythms simultaneously. This adds complexity by requiring multi-limb coordination and creativity in rhythm arrangement.