Key learning points

1. Although samba is commonly in 4/4 it can also be performed in a 12/8 groove.
2. 12/8 has four groups of three quavers, giving a lilting feel. Beats divided into three create compound time.
3. Samba drums have a range of timbres depending on how they are played, including playing on the rim or muting the sound.
4. Players can also use drum techniques such as flams.
5. We have performed a main groove for a 12/8 samba funk, including a break that uses a crescendo to build the excitement.

Keywords

• 12/8 - a compound time signature with twelve quavers in a bar; these quavers are in four groups of three

• Compound time - when each beat of the bar is divided into three quavers rather than two (simple time)

• Quaver - a note that lasts for half of a beat, also referred to as an 8th

• Flam - where the drummer plays both hands together, one just slightly before the main, louder note

• Crescendo - a gradual increase in loudness

Common misconception