First things first - download your free transcription here.
A listening suggestion I got in the coaching program I teach jointly with Jacob Evans inspired this week’s video.
“Have you checked out the foot-to-hand thing Jason McGerr from Death Cab does?”
I had to admit, I hadn’t.
But when the student pointed me to a video, I recognized what Jason was doing immediately.
“OOH - that’s the Steve Gadd 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover thing.”
But not just Steve. Also Vinnie, on Sting’s Mad About You from MTV Unplugged. Also JD Beck, Dana Hawkins…practically every modern drummer who draws any influence from jazz.
So I thought maybe it was time to try, in my own way, to John Danaher this thing. Like, what are the fundamentals of playing these idioms, which, I found out, the kids are calling “stomp beats”.
Well, it turns out there are a finite number of ways to stomp the hats, then play with the other hands. And most every stomp groove or lick you hear is made up of these few stomp “rudiments”.
So in this video, expect to discover:
What those “rudiments” are
How to make some basic beats with them
More advanced beats and licks, including one thing I probably stole from Darion Ja’Von
Two “famous” stomp beats, one classic and one modern
And the whole thing’s transcribed for you - just click here to download that.
If you’ve ever watched Steve, or Jason, or JD, or countless other drummer incorporating “stomps” with the hi hat foot into their grooves and wondered “how to do I do that”, this is a lesson for you.
Enjoy!