The modern drummer’s feet are just as expressive as their hands. This requires specific physical conditioning and coordination.
True independence means each limb operates as a completely separate rhythmic engine. This allows you to play a recurring pattern (an ostinato) with your feet while soloing freely with your hands. Interlocking Rhythmic Matrices Rhythmic Pattern Ride Cymbal Bell Swing pattern Ride Cymbal Left Hand Improvisational syncopated comping Snare Drum Right Foot Upbeat dotted-eighth note pulses Left Foot Strict quarter-note foot chicks Hi-Hat Pedal How to Practice Independence
4.2 Polyrhythmic Frameworks
Symmetrical or displaced bass drum counter-patterns.
The book is dedicated to Jim Chapin’s teacher, Sanford Moeller. It comes with downloadable audio, which is a helpful addition for learning the material, especially the complex patterns.
Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer PDF: The Ultimate Guide to Mastery
The exercises are designed to be difficult. Jim Chapin himself told a struggling student, "Good! It was meant to be difficult, but it made you a better drummer, didn't it?". The key is to start extremely slow, use a metronome, and ensure accuracy before increasing speed.
Here are a few tips for practicing odd-time signatures:
Playing two different subdivisions simultaneously over the same period of time.