Music Lesson: Mohammed Mountain

Welcome to today's lesson on Mohammed Mountain. This tune is performed in the Led Zeppelin heavy rock style, heavily influenced by the legendary John Bonham, Led Zeppelin's drummer.

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Key Drummers to Explore

• John Bonham (Led Zeppelin)

  • Known for his heavy feel and groove
  • Always focused on the music

• Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix Experience)

• Elvin Jones (Jazz)

  • Influenced the triplet vocabulary used by rock drummers

• Alvin Judge

  • Notable for fills transitioning from straight 8th notes or 16th notes to triplets

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Importance of Groove

• Nailing the Groove:

  • Critical to ensure the band sounds unified
  • Most important aspects: Feel and Timing
    • Avoid rushing, especially with 16th note bass drums on displaced divisions (second or fourth)

• Hi-Hat Techniques:

  • Use of closed vs. open hi-hat impacts:
    • Energy Levels: Open hi-hat is great for solos or song climaxes
    • Definition: Closed hi-hat adds clarity, especially during vocal parts
    • Allows for accents when switching from closed to open

Demonstration of Hi-Hat Sounds

"1, 2, 3, 4."

Notice the difference in energy between the open and closed hi-hat.

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Triplet Bass Drum Figure

The triplet bass drum figure can be tricky; here are some practice tips:

1. Start Slow: Nail the triplet phrase.
2. Use Different Techniques:
   • A ruff or flam before the backbeat snare drum.

Bass Drum Technique

• Heel Up Technique: Common in heavier music styles for a fuller sound.
• Heel Down Technique: Used in softer styles for a more bouncy response.

Example:

"As you can see, there's different sound, different kind of attack."

Building Speed

• Practice slowly.
• Aim for muscle development in the legs.

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Time Signature Changes (4/4 to 7/8)

• Transition Smoothly:

  • Count in your head:
    • "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7"

• Internal Pulse:

  • Feel 8th notes in 4/4 to maintain a smooth transition to 7/8.

• Listening and Singing Along:

  • Helps internalize the groove.

Groove-Based Soloing

• Stick to a groove-based solo for musicality and audience connection.
• Philosophy: Make it enjoyable; avoid overwhelming listeners.

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Practice Tracks

• Use play-along tracks for practice.
• Great opportunity to experiment with fills in 4/4 and 7/8.

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Feel Change

• The feel changes from a straight 4/4 to a shuffle:
• Check out other progressive rock bands like King Crimson, Yes, or Pink Floyd for similar rhythmic creativity.

Demonstration of Shuffle Feel

"1, 2, 3, 4."

Purdy Shuffle

• Named after drummer Bernard Purdy:
  • Instead of quarter notes, use two 8th notes.

Example of the Purdy Shuffle

• Great as an introduction to the shuffle style.
• Influences heard in John Bonham's playing, particularly in "Fall in the Rain."

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Conclusion

This piece offers a wide range of techniques to work on. Practice with your teacher and explore creative orchestration of fills across your instrument.

• Dynamics:

  • Incorporate crescendos and decrescendos during solos.

• Fun and Relaxation:

  • Maintain a laid-back groove, particularly with faster bass drum figures.

Remember: Avoid rushing, and enjoy the process! Happy drumming!