Timbral contrast in an R'n'B groove
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create timbral variation in an R’n’B drum groove.
Key learning points
- The contrasting timbres in a drum kit provide the interest in the drum grooves you listen to.
- Toms typically have a less harsh timbre than the snare and cymbals, and a wide range of pitches.
- Toms are often used in drum fills.
- The snare usually plays the backbeat as it has a strong attack which helps to emphasise the pattern.
- Clicks and claps have a similar attack and can be used instead of the snare to play the backbeat.
Keywords
Timbre - the timbre of a note or instrument is the sound quality e.g. metallic
Tom-tom - a tom-tom, usually shortened to tom, is a cylindrical drum that makes a rounded sound
Attack - the attack of a sound describes how quickly we hear the beginning of the sound
Common misconception
Toms are only used in fills. Use of the snare/claps/clicks will automatically be a backbeat.
Toms can be used in the main groove just less commonly than the kick/snare. For a backbeat the snare/claps have to play on beats 2 and 4.
Teacher tip
Model a few different options including very simple ideas as a starting point for improvising a drum fill. Reinforce that it is suitable to leave a gap or use silence at times and often a small pattern leading to the next bar is suitable.
Equipment
A DAW or other suitable compositional tool or instrument
Licence
Sign in to continue
Our content remains 100% free, but to access certain copyrighted materials, you'll need to sign in. This ensures we’re both staying within the rules.
P.S. Signing in also gives you more ways to make the most of Oak like unit downloads!
