Hello, and welcome to a new series on Brazilian samba drumming! It’s a great pleasure to be discussing Brazilian rhythms and my approach to this style on the drumset. Generally, I feel that Brazilian rhythms can be divided into three layers of sound: Bottom layer: low-pitched instruments, which are responsible for the rhythm’s pulse. Middle layer: medium-pitched voices, which maintain the feel and subdivision of the groove. Top layer: high-pitched instruments, which are responsible for the rhythm’s melodies and the syncopations and filigrees that create colors inside the groove.

December 2018 Issue