Here are some patterns on which I am currently working. I'm trying to perform these as smooth and effortlessly as possible. Slow, concentrated practice is what I'm after. And it's working! The groove is starting to happen.

The first pattern is a standard cowbell pattern from the Afro-Cuban musical vocabulary. It's found in my forst book, Practical Applications, Book One. Please Email me for info about this book, Afro-Caribbean Paractical Playalongs, or any other of my books.

Here's a double bass groove. No cymbal or snare has been added. I'm going to leave that up to you. I first just practiced the bass drums by themselves. Later, I added quarter notes on ride cymbal, "2" and "4" on the snare. I lead the double bass patters with my right foot. The right foot is on the first space of the staff, the left foot is on the first line.

The next two patterns reflect a newer bell pattern from Afro-Cuban music. I use the 2nd measure of the bell pattern for my new bass drum pattern.

And the last two patterns are all about another new pattern played on the cowbell. Learning this will first require some reading skill, deciphering the 32nd note patterns. Slow and methodical practice has given me the ability to play this pattern with various ride patterns. It grooves!

Would you like to learn more? Check out Chuck Silverman's online video & audio lessons & drum programs in South America

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