From the May issue of Drum | BY JARED FALK | DAY 7 of 10
Today’s Focus: Hands & Feet
Duration: 30 Minutes Practice each exercise individually for five minutes, and then play them in sequence for 15 minutes.
Simply playing fast isn’t enough. It all must come together when you add control. So let’s get your main foot ready for a battle of double-stroke madness that will help you alternate between your lead hand and your main foot for controlled double strokes. (By the way, this is a valuable tool to have in your toolbox for that next gig or recording session.)
Ex. 1 starts with groups of four and the pattern is played in 4/4 timing. Next, the pattern is played in 5/4 using sixteenth-note groups of five in Ex. 2, and finally we have groups of six in Ex. 3, played as sixteenth-notes in 6/4. I’d recommend using a quarter-note click, and don’t worry too much about the odd times.
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Start off by practicing each pattern individually, and then practice them in sequence starting with a 60-bpm click track. If that feels too fast, go ahead and slow it down.
PRACTICE TIPS
Adjust Your Pedal Tension
If you’re struggling with this, increase your pedal tension to go faster.
Improve Your Foot Technique
Watch some video lessons on the heel-toe and slide technique.