Let’s Dance – David Bowie (Analysis)

Lesson: Let's Dance by David Bowie

Overview

In this lesson, we will explore some of the main features of the classic piece "Let's Dance" by David Bowie.

Key Features:

• Crescendo: A gradual increase in volume that lasts across four bars.
• Groove Structure: A combination of quarter notes on the hi-hat and 16th note movement on the bass drum.

Crescendo Challenge

• Dynamic Range: Start at a very low volume (mezzo piano) and grow to double forte. The goal is to maintain a constant increase in volume.
• Coordination: Play between different drums:
  • First Play: Floor tom, snare, and bass drum all playing eighth notes.
  • Second Play: Slight variations in orchestration, maintaining the crescendo smoothly.

Practice Breakdown

1. Last Two Beats: Focus on the 16th note movement between the snare and bass drum.
   • Pattern: Right, left, kick, kick followed by a flam on the snare on beat 4.

Main Groove at Letter B

• Quarter Note on Hi-Hat: Maintain a backbeat on beats 2 and 4.
• 16th Note Bass Drum Movement:

First Four Bars of Letter B

• Cycle it around twice while consciously feeling the eighth notes under the quarter notes.
• Internal Timing: Feel both eighth and 16th notes to improve accuracy.

Second Four Bars of Letter B

• Increased 16th Note Movement: Pay attention to the bass drum falling on the 16th note after the flam on beat 4.

Transition to Letter D

• Eighth Notes on Hi-Hat: A smoother feel compared to the previous quarter note pattern.
• Bass Drum Pattern: Also plays eighth notes, occasionally incorporating open hi-hats.

Transition Practice

• From the last two bars of letter C into letter D:
  • Maintain even spacing between notes, locking the eighth-note bass drum pattern in.

Letter E Crescendo

• Second Four-Bar Crescendo: This differs from the first one due to orchestration:
  • First Half: Open hi-hat and floor tom with bass drum on the eighth note.
  • Midway: Switch back to the crescendo between the floor tom and snare, leading to a familiar figure from the intro.

Key Challenge

• Togetherness of Sound: Ensure simultaneous hits fall perfectly together, an essential skill for drummers.

Final Section: Letter F

• Final Eight Bars: Similar feel to the intro, featuring:
  • Quarter note patterns on the hi-hat.
  • Occasional open hi-hats.
  • A 16th note figure that concludes the piece, based on the rhythmic motif established by the bass drum.

Conclusion

These are the parts you need to play "Let's Dance." Be mindful of:

• Crescendo Togetherness: Strive for cohesive sound between notes.
• Consistent Timing: Master the quarter note patterns on the hi-hat.

I hope you enjoy playing along with the track!