Part 1: Three-Note 16th Groupings In this five-part series we’re going to develop not only timing and rhythmic accuracy with triplets and 16th notes, but also accent/tap control using the four basic strokes (full, down, tap, and up). To some, the exercises will look simple, but playing them perfectly with great dynamic contrast and a smooth, musical feel is deceptively hard, especially at very slow and very fast tempos. The first exercise in each part will be played with an all-accented check pattern leading into the chosen rhythms (also accented), with all of the subdivisions filled in as taps. This will help guide the accented rhythm to the correct place and will also serve as a great opportunity to examine stickheight accuracy and dynamic contrast. The second exercise in each part will contain the same accented rhythms, but the taps will be taken away and you’ll play what was the […]

March 2014 Issue