Lesson time: (4min 33sec)
Max Sedgley breaks down the Isley Brothers' 'Footsteps in the Dark' drum break - a simple kick and snare with a skipping hi-hat - a groove sampled on dozens of hip-hop tracks.
This lesson is part of the course Iconic Drum Breaks, vol.1
Watch this lesson for free below.
Lesson transcript:
Introduction:
So that was a break from a track called Footsteps in the Dark by the Isley Brothers. Again, another well-used hip hop tune.
We're going to start with this one because it's quite simple, although there are a couple of little twists that make it interesting:
That's all that happens with the kick and snare.
The interest comes from the hi-hat, which:
This is a really good example of how a couple of alterations on the hi-hat can make the whole beat sound different upon analysis.
This break is ideal for:
Hi-Hat Technique Development:
Coordination Practice:
When playing this particular break, consider the following:
Elbow and Wrist Position:
Playing Technique:
Speeding it up is an excellent way to significantly improve your right-hand hi-hat technique.
Max Sedgley is a British producer, drummer and DJ with a degree in classical music. His compositions have featured on numerous TV programmes and adverts, including the series Six Feet Under, and he was the drummer for drum & bass producer Roni Size. He also records under the name Cadien.In his courses he teaches drumming from the ground up - sticking, core grooves and the eight-note rock pattern - and the iconic 60s and 70s drum breaks that have been sampled into countless modern records. read more
