Cross Rhythms Using Stick Control

To develop the hi-hat on 2 and 4 during the 3/4 part, play the exercises as in the book, adding the hi-hat as follows

Ex. 15 Now we can begin to extend the phrase a little, using another very common figure

... or

Ex. 16 Since the phrase ends with a 4/8 instead of a 2/8 idea, it will require a little different approach — simply continue what is called for at the end of the 3/8 pattern, like so

Ex. 17 Here is how the complete phrase looks

Ex. 18 With each of the phrases we have used so far, you can also invert them, putting the 2 or 4 at the beginning

Ex. 19 In this case, you can continue the groove through the first part of the exercise measure

Ex. 20 From here, you can extend the phrase to four or eight measures, and beyond

Ex. 21 You can also experiment with moving the right hand (and then either hand) to the toms

Ex. 22 As you increase the tempo, you can simplify the bass drum part by selectively eliminating doubles/multiples, like so. This is a good idea especially on the up-tempo jazz application

I highly recommend creating your own phrases, voicings, and variations, as well as just improvising with the concept. After some dedicated practice, I think you’ll notice it coloring your playing in some unexpected ways.