Purdie Shuffle Archives - Modern Drummer Magazine

Purdie Shuffle

Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.

The 5/4 Half-Time Shuffle

A Perennial Groove with an Enlightened Perception For those of you who’ve never heard the coveted half-time shuffle, which is also commonly referred to as the Purdie shuffle, I’d encourage you to check out the timeless tracks “Babylon Sisters” and…

by Daniel Bédard
Aug 26, 2019

Bernard "Pretty" Purdie

Your lover did you wrong? It ain’t worth cryin’ over. Put on a Bernard Purdie record. Peelin’ fallin’ from the ceilin’? Don’t worry about it. Get into that Purdie groove. Another gray day? Go out and watch “Pretty”Purdieplaydrums. You’II feel…

by Connie Fisher
Sep 27, 2018

The Half-Time Shuffle

Variations on One of Drumming’s Slinkiest Grooves The half-time shuffle is a signature beat for some of the most legendary drummers in history. Guys like Bernard Purdie, John Bonham, and Jeff Porcaro are all considered masters of this feel. Let’s…

by Dave Beyer
Nov 1, 2017

Twelve Essential Shuffles - Some of Drumming's Most Influential Feels

While simple in concept, the shuffle, which features prominently in early jazz, blues, Motown, soul, funk, rock ’n’ roll, and hip-hop, among other styles, can be difficult to execute even for skilled drummers. In this article we’ll cover the essential…

Rich Scannella
Feb 17, 2017