Sixteenth Note Triplets under Jazz Time

Partly inspired by the last post on hand-foot rate changes, this idea explores playing triplet sixteenth notes under jazz time. The idea is simply to work on different patterns between the snare drum and bass drum in triplet sixteenths while playing jazz time in triplets on the ride cymbal.

You can think of the sub-divisions as groups of six (3+3), but it can help with understanding the placements if you count each triplet eight-note as having an “and” (1 and 2 and 3 and; 2+2+2). Either way, it will be necessary to work on this at a very slow tempo.

The first figure is single beats between the snare and bass drum. The second figure is the opposite.

The third and fourth figures use double strokes.

The fifth and sixth use a figure we often play at the regular triplet rate (Sn Sn B) and double it up.

The final two figures use a double paradiddle pattern.

In all the exercises, keep the snare drum and bass drum parts smooth and light. They definitely must not be heavy.

The hi-hat is not written in on 2 & 4 to avoid clutter, but it should be played.

Two important things to note.

1.) The application of these ideas in a real playing situation is going to be minimal because using them musically is hard. You certainly can’t slip them into next weekend’s wedding gig.

2.) The point of this is not chops, it is to develop a greater awareness of space and time between notes, especially at medium-slow and slow tempos, which will strengthen your time. As well as better coordination.

That said, you will be able to find some creative and musical ways to use these ideas once you have integrated them into your playing, especially at slow tempos.

There are plenty of further ideas that can be developed using triplet sixteenths. We will look at some more of them next time.

Have fun. Make music.