Music Lesson: Exploring "Rapper's Delight"

Hi, welcome back to Music Gurus! We are going to look at Rapper's Delight, which is Grade 3 Rock School Drums. I'm going to walk you through the chart and give you some pointers and direction.

Introduction to the Track

• First thing to say about this is that it's a disco rap.
• It's quite a pivotal record, using the bass line from Good Times by a band called Chic. If you're not familiar with them, then go check them out.

Understanding 16th Notes

• This piece features 16th note subdivisions, which is different from a lot of the other pieces at this grade.

• We'll be playing those 16th notes on the hi-hat hand to hand. Instead of trying to play them all with one hand, we'll use single sticking:

  • Right, Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right, Left

• It's important to work on the evenness of that. Aim for it not to be too lumpy, but remember, you are a human, not a machine!

Explanation of 16th Notes

If you're not sure what I mean by 16th notes, let me explain:

• In 4/4 time, we can tell we're in 4/4 because we look at the first bar and see a 4 and a 4 written underneath.
• This indicates that we have four quarter notes per bar.
• The subdivision into 16th notes means there are 16 notes, so four per quarter note.

Counting 16th Notes

To count those out, we might use this method:

• 1e and a, 2e and a, 3e and a, 4e and a

Now, let's take our drumsticks, one in each hand, and play consecutively on the hi-hats with this rhythm:

• 1e and 2e and 3e and a 4e and a

Accenting the Backbeat

You may notice an accent written above the hi-hat on the backbeat. Understanding the backbeat is crucial:

• The backbeat occurs on the second and fourth quarter notes in the bar.

To achieve that accent:

• Play the unaccented notes with the tip of the stick on the hi-hat.
• For the accented notes, use the shaft of the stick on the edge of the hi-hats.

You'll notice a tonal difference!

Tip for Creating Accents

• Use the shaft of the stick on the edge of the hi-hat to create tonal interest.

• Here's how it sounds:

  • 1e and a, 2e and a, 3 and a, 4.

Bass Drum Coordination

The very first bar has a bass drum on beat one.

• 1 E and A, 2 E and a, 3 and a 4 E and A.

The hi-hats maintain a groove, creating that 16th note feel.

Opening the Hi-Hat

When we get to bar eight, open the hi-hats at the end on those two eighth notes. Whether you play it with an open hi-hat or let it hang, it will have the same musical effect.

• The important thing is to stay dialed into the groove. At rehearsal letter B, be ready to come in with the bass drum on the downbeat.

Unison Play

When opening the hi-hat in some lower grade pieces, both the hi-hat foot and the bass drum foot land at the same time. This is called unison.

So when transitioning into the main groove:

• 1 E and a, 2 E and a, 3 and a, 4 E and a, 1.

Sticking Pattern and Snare Drum

The sticking pattern we've established during the introduction is single sticking: Right, Left, Right, Left. When on a right-handed kit, start with your right hand:

• Look at rehearsal letter B for the hi-hats and the snare drum, coming into the middle of the drum.

Rim Shot vs. Regular Hit

• I'm not using the rim shot technique, where you hit the head of the drum and the rim at the same time for a louder sound.
• I focus on hitting in the middle of the drum.

Consistency in Dance Music

In dance music, make your backbeats consistent in volume across every bar. If you're struggling with this, try this practice tip:

• Tape a coin or beer mat in the middle of the drum.
• This will help develop muscle memory for a consistent hit on the same sweet spot.

Patterns and Precision

You'll notice that this piece has many similar one and two-bar patterns.

Key Points

1. Unison: Make sure the bass drum and snare drum are precise and come together.
2. Heel Up Technique: For consecutive notes, use this technique to ensure you have consistent hits.

Final Tips for Practicing

When you approach the crucial final bar, practice makes perfect:

• One E and A, followed by an eighth note rest and two 16th notes: Two E and A.
• This is followed by additional 16th notes and a rest.

If this part makes you nervous, practice it repeatedly with a metronome until you look forward to playing it.

Embrace Your Weaknesses

Remember, we're all human and have weaknesses. Work on those areas, and you'll strengthen your confidence and skills as a performer.

Enjoy your practice and keep these simple points in mind. You'll be in great shape to play Rapper's Delight by the Sugar Hill Gang!

Thanks again for watching!