Snare Drum Techniques and Embellishments

To kick off a second line, the snare drummer plays a phrase that sounds a bit like this. You can download this on the PDF.

When the whole band hears that phrase, they're off and ready. You'll hear that the bass drum and the cymbals come in on the last part of that phrase.

Emulating the Sound

I came up with the idea of playing the bass drum and the cymbal together to emulate that sound.

• The hands will play this rhythm.
• The bass drum, our lead instrument, will play over that.

You may notice that sometimes I'm putting a roll with my left hand, which contributes to the overall sound.

Alternate Playing Methods

I understand that many people might not have this as part of their setup.

Here are some alternatives:

• You can play it on a ride cymbal.
• You can also use your hi-hats and splash them.

So, I can play the same phrase, same exercise, but just using these hi-hats instead.

Listen closely to the difference.

Snare Drum Embellishments

There are many embellishments you can do on the snare drum, lots and lots of different ones.

For example:

• Traditional Jazz Idea: The left hand just bouncing on the hands. You can add the bass drum to that.
• Rolling Technique: This might be used more as a fill rather than a regular pattern.
• Regular Jazz Time: Just playing with the right hand.

The more you listen, the more you'll hear the subtle changes in individual approaches to playing the same thing and the same tune.

It's very much open to interpretation, and I hope you find it rewarding.

I look forward to seeing you in the next lesson!