Independent Cymbal Rhythms Instructional Book

Quick Take Review:

Independent Cymbal Rhythms

by Bobby Williams (Hal Leonard, softcover, 40 pages) 

by Dendy Jarrett

INTRO 

I was confident this would be a good lesson book simply because it's a Hal Leonard publication. When you pair the publisher with a great author and drummer, Bobby Williams — and a fantastic editor and drummer, Rick Mattingly — you have a winner on your hands.

APPLICATION

Independent Cymbal Rhythms reminds me a great deal of some old-school books that helped me learn independence, but with a contemporary slant. The result is a mental and physical workout that will help you develop independence in all limbs. And despite being a drummer for decades, I was amazed to find myself learning new techniques and ideas from the over 500 independence lesson combinations. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• The book helps you develop:

o   Endurance

o   Coordination

o   Flexibility

o   Finesse of movement

• The included patterns are based on:

o   Quarter, eighth and sixteenth note grooves

o   Triplet and 12/8 grooves

o   Alternating hi-hat grooves for funk and rock

o   Syncopated cymbal and hi-hat patterns

• The grooves will work for most genres:

o   Rock

o   Jazz

o   Funk

o   Latin

o   Blues

o   Techno

CONCLUSION

As with any lesson book, take it slow. Work with a metronome, and gradually increase the tempo as you get comfortable with the independence of each groove. Independence can be tricky; it takes a lot of mental stamina and agility to work through exercises that can at first seem awkward.

When you've mastered the grooves, they'll become second-nature and will serve you well in your drumming. And even though this book reminds me of some old-school books, that is exactly what makes the book so great. Take it from me — you’re never too young or old to learn.

RESOURCES —

WEB - Hal Leonard Official Website

PURCHASE -  This or other Hal Leonard Lesson Books go to  Musician’s Friend

DISCUSS - This or other drum related topics at Harmony Central's Drum Forum

Dendy Jarrett is the Publisher and Director of Harmony Central. He has been heavily involved at the executive level in many aspects of the drum and percussion industry for over 25 years and has been a professional player since he was 16. His articles and product reviews have been featured in InTune Monthly, Gig Magazine, DRUM! and Modern Drummer Magazines.