Adding a bass drum pattern
With
Pat LevettThe bass drum is the lead drum for phrasing any groove you might play in New Orleans style. It's very important to get an understanding for it.
What's in the course
12 lessons (0h 53m) · 2 free
01. The New Orleans groove & feel
Free lesson3:38
02. Pat Levett demonstrates some New Orleans Style Drums
Free lesson2:34
03. Adding a bass drum pattern
You are here2:34
04. Second Line drumming
4:37
05. New Orleans Rock & Roll - Fats Domino
4:53
06. The Dirge - Funeral March
3:24
07. The Rebirth Groove
4:04
08. Mardi Gras Indians
5:54
09. New Orleans Funk
7:48
10. Zydeco Music
3:55
11. Allen Toussaint
5:09
12. Fill-ins & creative ideas
5:00
Lesson transcript
Lesson Two: The Bass Drum in New Orleans Drumming
Hi and welcome to lesson two of the New Orleans drumming experience!
The Importance of the Bass Drum
In this lesson, we will discuss:
- The bass drum's role as the most important drum.
- Common misconceptions about the snare drum and hand drumming.
- The bass drum as the lead instrument for phrasing any groove or street beat.
Understanding the rhythms of New Orleans is crucial. If you've ever seen a parade band, you may have heard of "second lining." For reference, more details will be in the accompanying PDF.
What is a Second Line Groove?
The second line groove has evolved over the years and has various interpretations. However, it remains a traditional element in street parades.
Elements to Consider:
- Snare Drum: Plays the "doobie, doobie, doobie" rhythm.
- Bass Drum: Establishes the phrase with a strong push on beat four of the second bar.
Rhythm Example:
- Boom, boom, boom, boom.
Experimentation and Dynamics
- Experiment with how loud you want to play the accent.
- Listen to different bands to see the range of dynamics:
- Some people play the accent loudly.
- Others gently push it along.
Contextual Considerations
- Outdoor Brass Bands: You might want to emphasize beat four.
- Smaller Bands: A gentler push may be more appropriate.
Conclusion
Always think of the bass drum as your number one priority, with the hands accompanying it.
I'll see you in lesson three!
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Meet your guru
Meet your guru
After graduating on drums from the Guildhall School of Music in 1999, Pat has performed and recorded with Liane Carroll, the James Taylor Quartet, Tim Minchin, the Ronnie Scott's All Stars, Zigaboo Modeliste (The Meters), Earl Thomas, Paddy Milner, the Phil Stevenson Trio, the Downtown Dukes, 24 Pesos, the Puppini Sisters, Sandi Thom and Bernard Purdie, amongst others.
He has toured extensively across America, Russia, Asia and Europe, playing many well-respected venues, festivals, TV and radio slots. Pat also plays chromatic harmonica and is a featured soloist on two albums by Will Grove-White (Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain).
His own projects include 'The Coalminers', dedicated to playing New Orleans funk and soul, and 'June Afternoon', an organ trio featuring Ross Stanley and Nat Martin.
In his New Orleans Style Drumming course, Pat unpacks the grooves, feel and second-line vocabulary that define the city's sound, so you can lock into authentic funk and soul behind the kit.
