Bill Powelson's,
MUSICAL TIME & RHYTHMS:
"FINITE TO INFINITY"
Eighth Rock Variations
In another lesson we will discover nearly 4.3 billion variations (permutations) of the eighth 4/4 rock beat. Before we do that though it might be a good idea to step a little slower and get your feet wet with a few of the more simple and more popular variations of rock. The truth is that these beats we are about to learn are by far the most useful and most common. Most of the other 4.3 billion beat patterns have gone pretty much unused. Pop music trends between the 1960's and the 2000 have pretty much utilized the same handful of beat patterns, over and over again. What's more, most of those beat patterns can be traced back to two simple beats. I call these beats, 'The Primary Rock Beats' but they have been called many things over the years. Terms like 'Fatback', 'Funk', 'Rap' 'Soul' and 'Boogaloo' all refer to different combinations and forms of these two beats.They are really the foundation or cornerstones of the entire rock era. Learn to play them rapidly and comfortably, then learn to combine them in various ways. Soon after, you will find yourself playing along, note for note with the drummer on any '8th rock' song. Also, if you fire up a little imagination, they can be used as an awesome drum solo when played without music.
So what are we waiting for? Let's do it!
Primary Rock Variations
#1
 Hear it!
#2
 Hear it!
The faster you can play these the better. . . and it probably CAN'T BE DONE IN 5 MINUTES. . . (so sue me, haha.) You should devote 20 to 30 minutes to each beat, building speed and instant recall. Be able to play either of these beats on command . . . think of the beat . . . then play it. Next, try changing from one beat to the other without stopping or breaking time. The hardest part is the first few minutes with each pattern. After you get up to speed, you will recognize them as beats you have heard in a million songs and they will start to cook. Add a few rolls or fill patterns and bingo you will be a 'hot' rock drummer.
EIGHTH ROCK SYNCOPATIONS: If you are ready to move ahead with my lessons then lets get 'funky' with eighth rock syncopations!
You are about ready for the heavy stuff (syncopations) and you may proceed if you wish but remember that it takes time to digest information of this sort. I would suggest a little break here.
Practice each of these beats until you can play them rapidly and smoothly from memory. It isn't necessary to practice at the drumset. Tap them out where ever you may be as you go through your day. You should learn to practice as you watch tv, or while at school, work or just riding in your auto. Anytime you have an idle moment, use it to perfect the boring, mundane routines. Then, when you get behind a drumset you can have a great time playing song after song.

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