Rhythm Section 101:

Jazz Drum Set 101

Building a Swing Feel

In this lesson, we discuss the fundamental aspects of a swinging 4/4 drum set groove. When teaching a young drummer how to build a swing feel at the drums, it is important to help them become aware of and develop the coordination of each limb of the groove. Here’s how to approach it.

Begin by establishing the limbs that play the quarter note pulse: the ride cymbal and the bass drum. Be sure that each limb is playing accurately together and don’t worry about the “jazz ride cymbal” pattern just yet - we’ll add that later!

When playing quarter notes with the bass drum, it’s important that the student learn to play it quietly while playing a stronger volume with the ride cymbal. This is an often overlooked aspect of teaching the drum set.

Once the quarter notes between the ride cymbal and bass drum are even and consistent, add beats “2” and “4” with the hi-hat, played with the foot. Again, be sure to line these rhythms up accurately with the other limbs. Check in to make sure that the bass drum is staying quiet, or “feathering”, while the hi-hat is strong.

Finally, let’s syncopate the ride cymbal with the “and of 2” to ”and of 4” added to our quarter note rhythm. Be very aware of the consistency of the quarter note on the ride, and don’t let the “skip” notes hinder that quarter note rhythm.

This completes the pattern-based aspects of the drum set groove. In future lessons, we’ll discover ways to incorporate the snare drum into the mix!

Want to send this video to your students? Use this link: https://youtu.be/jQXKbYIop80