07 · Rhythm Section

A whole rhythm section, from every corner of the world

Pick a groove — rock, swing, salsa, samba, djembe and dunun, Ewe bell patterns, maqsum, teentaal on tabla, taiko, Korean samul nori — and a bass and chord part plays along in your key. Change the kit, edit every hit, and jam on top.

Rhythm

Chord—

Tempo Swing Kit

Band

Drums

Bass

Chords

Key Progression

Kit pads keys A S D F G H J K L · space to play/stop

How to use it

Practise with a band

Choose a rhythm, set the tempo a little below where you can play cleanly, and play your instrument over the chord changes. Raise the tempo five beats at a time.

Learn a rhythm by ear

Mute the bass and chords, then switch drum parts on and off (tap cells) to hear how the layers lock together. Say the strokes aloud — dum, tek, ka; dha, dhin, na — before you play them.

Respect the source

Traditional rhythms marked “simplified” are teaching versions. Each tradition has many variations, solos and meanings; learn them from players and teachers of that music.