Jazz Drummers Workshop – Stickings: Part II

In Stickings: Part I (November ’81 MD), I presented a basic system of stickings. We will now examine ways in which the stickings can be applied to the drumset. Key:

 

Using Stickings to Play Rock Time Feels

Stickings can be used on the set to develop various rock time feels. The stickings are used to organize the notes in the hands. The feet are then added in to complete the feel. The following examples indicate some basic possibilities. (Note: The cymbal parts should be worked out on the hi-hat first. Then try them on the ride cymbal.)

1. ) This example uses an inversion of the 4 note Group B sticking (rllr-lrrl). Notice that the bass drum line changes in the second measure.

2.) This example uses the same sticking as Ex. I. The placement of the notes on the drums has changed, resulting in a different feel.

Two important points: First, the notes of any given sticking phrase can be played on the drumset in many ways. Second, there are many different bass drum lines that can be used against an individual sticking phrase.

The following examples indicate additional sticking phrases.

3.) Three 5A stickings (rllr-lrrll-rllrr) followed by one single stroke.4.) Two 6B, and one 3A sticking, (rlrrll-rlrrll-rll) followed by one single stroke.

This same procedure can be used with other meters. For example, using the 3A, 5A, and 4B stickings, (rll-rrllrr-lrll), in 3/4 time:

Latin Time Feels

Stickings can also be used to create Latin time feels. The following examples indicate some possibilities. Each example should be played against the following four foot ostinatos.

In Latin time feels, the hand notes can be played in different places. In the written examples, the right hand is on the bell of the cymbal, while the left hand is on the snare drum. After working out the examples as written, experiment with the following ideas:

1. a) Play right hand on bell of cymbal, left hand on cowbell.
2. b) Play right hand on cowbell, left hand on snare.
3. c) Play left hand on cowbell, while moving right hand between snare and toms.

1.) This pattern uses two 3A stickings, (rll-rll), followed by two single strokes. In the second measure, the 3A stickings are altered. (rll becomes rrl).

2.) 8D sticking (rlrlrrll) followed by 3A, 3A, and two singles.

3.) 5A, 5A, and 6B stickings (rllrr-lrrll-rlrrll). In the second measure the six note sticking is replaced with two 3A stickings.

In the next article we’ll examine ways to incorporate these stickings into fills and solos.