View Full Version : Rhythm Issues
jmkatcher
Aug-17-2004, 11:03am
I'm having trouble learning new rhythms and shifting from my old ones to them. It wasn't like this when I started with really simple stuff, but now I seem to be stuck in either waltz or some sort of swing rhythm. Any suggestions for reprogramming oneself to be more flexible?
patsites
Aug-17-2004, 12:39pm
I might try a song Take 5, it's in 5/4 time, or another bouncy favorite of mine, St. Thomas. Both will make you find a new strum pattern much different from a standard 1/4/5 bluegrass chop or swing beat. That will certainly mix things up and give you some ideas on how to apply them into other songs. Also, listen to Sam Bush recordings like Strength in Numbers, he is a master of chopping on off beats and mixing up closed/chop chords with open chords.
Take a drumming class n-- either African or Indian preferably.
It will really change the way you hear, feel, play and think about rhythm.
Jim
P.S. NOT a drum circle--it's not challenging enough...
Dolamon
Aug-17-2004, 2:25pm
Jim - absolute BULLSEYE. Take a season of drumming classes either hand or stick but get into the flow and learn the difference between a straight rhythm and a poly... then the differences between a Waltz a Mazurka and a Varsivienne.
A course in drumming will get you to internalize the rhythm and be able to express it with a flat pick and that's a trip.