Peter Erskine: Limbs United

• By Peter Erskine
• Originally Published In DRUM! Magazine's January 2007 Issue

Jazz coordination and independence exercises help drummers to perfect playing contrary and opposing rhythms between the four limbs. However, such progress is often at the expense of being able to execute simple unison strokes between the hands and feet. This is because we spend so much time working on linear patterns (i.e., playing “off” each part of the kit) that we can become confounded when a simultaneous note event comes along. Practice Exs. 1—4 on your bass drum, hi-hat, and snare (with brushes), and keep yourself centered as you play. Be sure to try a variety of stickings as well as tempos.