Drums · Level 7 · Rock and world
Tom-tom groove
Don’t just read about the tom-tom groove. Play it.
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The right hand moves from the hi-hat to the floor tom for a rolling, tribal sound.
Tap an instrument name to mute it and play that part yourself.
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a steady groove.
- Press play and listen to the whole groove twice before you play.
- Mute every row except the hi-hat (or ride) and play along with the rest. Play the floor tom with a relaxed wrist and let it ring.
- Add the bass drum, then the snare, one part at a time.
- Set the tempo to 67 BPM and play the full groove four times without stopping.
- Raise the tempo to 96 BPM once it feels easy.
- Record a take and listen for a deep, even floor-tom rhythm under the backbeat.
Listen for
Aim for a deep, even floor-tom rhythm under the backbeat. A common mistake is hitting the rim of the floor tom; aim for the middle of the drum.
Why it works
The 3-3-2 pattern on the tom is found in rock, Latin and African music.
Questions
How do you count the tom-tom groove?
It is in 4/4. Count 1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a for each bar.
What tempo should I practise the tom-tom groove at?
Start around 67 BPM and work up to 96 BPM. Only speed up when you can play it four times in a row without mistakes.
Is this drum lesson right for my level?
It is a level 7 groove. If it feels too hard, go back to “Jazz swing ride pattern”.