Exploring the Rumber Rhythm

Let's look at this rumber idea and see the things we can do with it, because there's plenty to explore.

Basic Feel of the Rumber

• This is a more basic feel on the rumber.
• Although it is already one step removed, we've added some little skips, which make it more of a two-handed thing.

Advancing to Cuban Territory

If you take it one step further and play something like this, we're really getting into that slightly more Cuban territory:

• The left hand is slightly offset.
• We're playing between the two hands.

Eighth Notes and Groove

1. It's all about eighth notes (quavers) that come together on that last eighth note, which again is a really important beat in the feel and the groove.
2. The rhythm simply goes between those two harmonies.

Putting It All Together

So if we apply that over the sequence, we get something that sounds a bit like this:

• Let's put that feel over the sequence.
• I'll play some other little linking passages that work with the feel, so you can hear it over the whole sequence: three, four... and so on.

Practicing the Feel

First of all, I really urge you to get to grips with that kind of feel:

• Always think about that accent where they come together.
• Focus on that moment before it hits the downbeat.

Getting Comfortable

• Get that feel under your fingers.
• Start slowly at a tempo that's comfortable for you.

Remember, these kinds of accents and feels are not necessarily the most intuitive unless you grew up in Cuba or New Orleans.