Peter Erskine: Right-Lefts On The Kit

By Peter Erskine
Originally published in the June 2007 issue of DRUM! Magazine

It’s always a good idea to revisit the basics. The following examples are studies in coordination that check your ability to play clean unisons between the hands and feet.

As always, it’s best to start at a moderate tempo and then work your way up and down the tempo spectrum. Check your body’s relationship to the kit: How is your posture? Can you play these exercises with both heels remaining down on the pedals? How steady is the pulse when the pattern switches the lead hand? How comfortable are you moving around the kit, especially when crossing your arms over, as in Ex.2? Strive for good tone, steady time, and fluid motion.

DRUM! Notation Guide

Peter Erskine has played with Weather Report, Steps Ahead, and the Stan Kenton Orchestra, and holds an honorary doctor of music degree from Berklee College Of Music. http://petererskine.com