Disengaging Triplet Figures

By Peter Erskine Originally Published In January 2009

My recent columns have explored various uses of the triplet figure in jazz drumming. The following exercises will challenge your abilities to play solo, unison, and connected triplet figures while maintaining a steady and swinging ride cymbal pattern. It will be most useful for you to practice these at a wide variety of tempos and dynamic levels. The primary issue in playing these may prove to be your balance, maintaining a sense of being seated well, or centered, on the drum throne. Both pedals: heel up, or heel down? Try all four combinations between the hi-hat and bass drum pedals, again, at varying speeds and dynamics.