CULTURAL RHYTHM / PERCUSSION

SOCA

The Soca is an incredibly fun groove to play, but requires diligent practice and attention to the timing and pace of the groove, as it is primarily used for dance grooves. Pay close attention to your…
MOZAMBIQUE

The Mozambique drum set groove is perfect for drummers of all skill levels. Entry-level drummers should take this opportunity to work on independence and feel, while more advanced players can start to add variations to the bass…
BOSSA NOVA

The Bossa Nova—or “new beat”—originated in Rio de Janeiro, primarily in upscale beachfront neighborhoods. The Bossa Nova was established in Brazil in the 1850s, about 100 years before it was introduced to the jazz culture in…
MAMBO

The Mambo is a very complex rhythm of Afro Cuban decent. We will try to comp four different percussionists parts; the Bass drum is our Surdo, the Hi-hat foot is our Shaker, the bell of the…
CHACARERA OVER HI-HAT

The Chacarera is a groove from northeast Argentina, especially Santiago del Estero. It was originally played with an instrument called the Bombo leguero that is made of wood and leather and is between 13 to 18…
BEMBE

The Bembe is an Afro-Cuban groove with a 6/8 feel that can also be interpreted in 4/4 with triplets. The style originates from the word “Bembes” which is an African term for religious gatherings that involved…
GUAGUANCO

For this lesson we take an in-depth look at the Guaguanco drum set groove. Be sure to take advantage of the transcription and instructional video, which are both included below. Both the instructional video and transcription…
THE CHAAL

The chaal is one of the most widely used grooves in various types of Indian music and is generally played on instruments like the dhol or the tabla. For those who practice Indian music in the…
TIRKIT

If you recall I showed you the Chaal a few lessons back. Like the Chaal the Tirkit is a staple groove in Indian music and is commonly played on instruments like the Dhol or Tabla. The Tirkit…