In the last three play-along articles (July and October 2012 and January 2013), we focused on developing the proper performance technique, groove vocabulary, and sound to play alongside Top 40, pop-punk, and synth-metal tunes. In this month’s installment, we’re taking a look at a dance-rock chart titled “Hella Drums.” (MP3s and PDFs are available at moderndrummer.com.) This tune has a twenty-four-bar AAB form, with each letter representing an eight-bar phrase with a particular melody, chord structure, and groove. The A section features a two-bar straight-8th groove with a tightly closed hi-hat and an occasional opening on the “&” of beat 4. The B section uses the same drum pattern, but now the hi-hat is opened slightly on each 8th note, for a looser, more sloshy sound. Performance Notes The bass drum pattern should be played very forcefully, with a staccato articulation and a dynamic of forte (loud). You can accomplish […]

February 2013 Issue