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Chapter 6 ~ Contemporary Backbeat Grooves

Syncopation is our occupation. The backbeat, which can be clinically defined as the stressing of beats 2 and 4, typically on the snare drum, is synonymous with the definition of syncopation, shifting the emphasis from accenting the typically strong downbeat pulse. The pendulum-like balance of the downbeat/backbeat continuum is less regimented in feel with an emphasis on the backbeat, instilling the urge to dance rather than march.

Ostinato Studies focus on applying subdivisions, in a variety of voicings, to the most common of groove ostinatos (the 8/8 and 12/8 pulses) with a consistent backbeat, on beats 2 and 4, in common time.

WATCH Improve Your Groove, Part 2 - a FREE video demonstration of the Standard & Syncopated Subdivision variations of the Progressions for Hi-Hat/Ride Cymbal in 4/4Time, as seen on pg. 77, expanding on the musical timekeeping concepts of the Syncopated Standard Timetable as well as the Elastic Subdivisions, as introduced in Chapter 4 .

WATCH Applying Polyrhythms to Contemporary Backbeat Ostinatos - a FREE video demonstration of the Standard Subdivision variations of the 8/8 & 12/8 Pulse Progressions for Single/Double Bass Drum, as seen on pgs. 72 & 74, respectively, which incorporate the Polyrhythms of 3:2 & 4:3, as outlined in Chapter 5.

Modulation Studies compress or expand a standard beat over subdivisions both common and uncommon to its general use, creating a distortion that is the aural equivalent of "seeing the beat in a fun-house mirror."

WATCH Cross Referencing Chapter Studies - a FREE video demonstration interpreting a single musical motive throughout the book, spotlighting the Pataflafla/Brazilian "Jazz Samba" Variation as seen in Theme & Variation IV: Flam Rudiments with Afro/Latin Beat Influence on pg. 98.

WATCH Cross Referencing II - a FREE video demonstration interpreting Single Paradiddle variations throughout the book, spotlighting both a Classic Rock groove, incorporating example E2, on hi-hat, from pg. 32 of the Counterpoint Ostinato Options, and a Modulation Studies example from the Paradiddle Funk Groove Progressions on pg. 93.

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All content presented © 2008 David Stanoch/Rhythmelodic.