ayayPlI just picked up Ted Reed Syncopation Volume Two in the Jazz Idiom for Drum Set. It is a series of variations on Ted Reed’s original book – Syncopation for the Modern Drummer pages 38 – 45 exercises 1 – 8. These exercises are arranged in a triplet feel with a swung 8th note (Jazz). The ride pattern uses the traditional jazz ride but a shuffle ride or quarter note ride also work. Here is the list of the sections and an example.
Book 1 Original Exercise 2 page 39:
Section I (pages 5 – 12) The accented notes for the large and small toms spell out the syncopated rhythms in these 8 pages. Play all unaccented notes on the snare drum. Bass drum 4 in each bar. Hi-hat on 2 & 4 – not written.
Section I Exercise 2 page 6:
These are good exercises for getting around the drums with a triplet feel. What I also do is play a single stroke for the accented notes on the toms and diddle (open roll) the snare drum notes. Very cool for developing jazz fills or solos.
Section II (pages 13 – 20) The accented notes for the bass drum spell out the syncopated rhythms in these 8 pages. Play the unaccented notes on the snare drum – left hand. Top line ride cymbal – right hand. Hi-hat 2 & 4 – not written.
Section II Exercise 2 page 14:
These exercises force you to lock in a constant triplet feel between the bass drum and snare drum.
Section III (pages 21 – 28) Play the solo line on the snare drum – left hand. Bass drum 4 in each bar. Top line ride cymbal – right hand. Hi-hat on 2 & 4 – not written.
Section III Exercise 2 page 22:
I actually had been practicing this section all along. Not only swinging the 8th notes (as in this example) but also playing it straight with a rock or Latin ride and various bass drum patterns.
Section IV (pages 29 – 36) Play the solo line on the bass drum. Snare drum – left hand – click sound on 2 & 4. Top line ride cymbal – right hand. Hi-hat on 2 & 4 – not written.
Section IV Exercise 2 page 30:
Just like Section III I had already been doing this with a swung or straight 8th note and a variety of ride patterns.
Section V (pages 37 – 44) Play the solo line between the snare drum – left hand – and the bass drum. Top line ride cymbal – right hand. Hi-hat on 2 & 4 – not written.
Section V Exercise 2 page 38:
This section reminds me of the Chapin book Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer. Really develops coordinated independence between the bass drum and snare drum. Helps develop your reading and can present real challenges at fast tempos.
I know Ted Reed Syncopation Volume Two is not revolutionary and you (or your drum teacher) could have figured these variations out without buying another book. There are a lot more possibilities. But it was nice to have these exercises written out and they have been enjoyable to practice. The book is less than $8.00. I have spent more than that on a fancy cup of coffee.
You may also want to see: Drum Set Method Book Recommendations and Reed Syncopation Roll Accents