KEEPIN THE

GROOVE
Drumset Improvisation

JAC Q U E S S PA E LT I

LEARNING THE BASICS

When talking about improvisation

on any instrument one must
consider one major aspect before
playing ones heart out. Do I know
the basics?
The basics vary from instrument to
instrument. On piano the basics
would be scales and fingering,
when singing it would be
breathing, posture and intonation
and on drums it comes down to the
Rudiments.

Rudiments

Rudiments are the basis of technique.

Here are some exercise ideas.

Jazz is a very democratic musical form. It comes out of a

communal experience. We take our respective instruments
and collectively create a thing of beauty. - Max Roach
Rudiments are the basis of technique for drummers. Please,
do not misunderstand. One can still play great music without
having mastered the technical aspect of playing, although one
is slightly limited without knowing ones rudiments.
In music schools and academies students are usually
required to learn most rudiments from The Percussive Arts
Society International Drum Rudiments. A lot of beginner
drummers have trouble learning these rudiments, not because
they are difficult but mainly because when one starts out, the
new drummer wants to play grooves, fun fills and solos.
However, I assure any and all novice drummers that learning
your rudiments will not only make your playing more
enjoyable but also more creative.

40 Rudiments

We all know that learning technique

definitely is not the most fun part of
learning an instrument. But it is a
necessity for the working musician.
Not only do these exercises train
sticking (Left and Right hand) but
also solidifies the drummers
understanding of note rates (16th
notes, Triplets, etc.).
By combining some of these
rudimental exercises one has
already created a short snare drum
solo.
Using these Rudiments will help with creative soloing.
The Drum Set

The first thing one might notice is

that all the 40 Rudiments are
written for hands only. This might
confuse some drummers on how to
apply these to the Drum Set. It is
actually quite simple. One simply
moves ones hands around the
Drum Set. Once one feels
comfortable with the arm
movements one can substitute one
hand with the Kick Drum or High
Hat. In the end it is as simple as
mixing and matching and before
they know it the student is playing a
solid groove or Drum Solo.

Tom Tom
Ride Cymbal

Snare Drum
High Hat

The Throne
Kick Drum

1 of 7

THE MUSICAL SOLO

Soloing is one of the most fun and yet most challenging things a
musician can do. One has all the freedom in the world to play whatever
one wants. However, there are some things one has to consider while
soloing. Of course it is always impressive to show off ones chops that
one learned by practicing the rudiments, but chops are not necessarily
equal to a great musical solo.
Because the Drum Set is not a pitched percussion instrument it is
really easy to fall into the habit of just playing and forgetting about the
song or style even though those two things are probably the most
important to consider.

If I would have played a lot of notes all the time and loud
all the time, it means less than if I do something very very
quiet and then do a couple of loud strokes - Benny Greb
While soloing over a tune the first thing
one should keep in mind is in what style
one is playing. it is not really recommended
to play an insane double bass heavy Metal
solo over a Bossa Nova tune. Respect the
style one is playing and after that, respect
the melody. Many drummers play
incredible technical solos, which are very
impressive but do not compliment the
song. One must never forget that one is also
playing for an audience, who may not
necessarily be musically trained, so
complimenting the melodic rhythm in ones
solo makes the listening experience more
enjoyable for everyone.

A Musical Drum Solo by Bill

Stewart on Heck of a Job

This is a great example of a musical drum solo. There is a clear

start, finish and musical development throughout the solo

A solo is like an entire song.

Theres a beginning a middle and
an end. It is recommended to
have an idea on how one wants to
start, develop and end the solo.
Diversity is key on
developing an instrumental solo.
There are many different things
one can add to develop a solo and
make it more interesting. One of
the most used methods is
changing dynamics while playing.
Only playing loud or soft during
the entire solo gets boring after a
while, but changing dynamics
makes a solo more interesting
because its not always the same.

Improvisation for Drum Set

Question 4 of 4
What can one do to make a Solo
more interesting?

A. Theatrics
B. Vary Dynamics and
Note Rates
C. Play technically difficult rhythms
D. Only play softly

Check Answer

Its About The Music

Not only changing dynamics but also

changing note rates, which one learned
practicing rudiments, will make the solo
more interesting. Only playing 16th
notes gets boring after a while, not only
for the listener but also for the drummer
playing the solo. Throwing in a couple
Triplets, 8th notes or Quintuplets keeps
the listener and soloist invested.
Everything mentioned here are
suggestions and ideas. There are no
rules in soloing in the end its about
the music and the musical enjoyment of
the listener and player.
6

WORK CITED
"Max Roach." Jazz Quotes Max Roach Comments. 18 Mar. 2011. Web. 6 Apr. 2015.
<http://jazz-quotes.com/artist/max-roach/>.