Independent Iyesa

Richie Gajate-Garcia
Originally published in DRUM! Magazine’s January 2006 Issue

In this independence exercise, we will look at two cowbell patterns that are played in the Afro-Cuban Iyesa rhythm. To get started, you’ll need two cowbells – a cha cha bell and another large cowbell. As always, start off slowly. Once you have practiced Exs. 1 and 2 separately, begin playing them together. For an advanced workout, switch hands and try adding the clave with your foot (Ex. 3).

Richie Gajate-Garcia has played with Diana Ross, Hiroshima and John Denver, recorded movie soundtracks for Eraser, George of the Jungle and Judgment Night, taught at Musicians Institute for ten years and performs clinics worldwide. He has also released two instructional videos and two sample libraries and is currently on tour with Phil Collins.