Today I’m going to teach you how to play an Afro-Cuban 6/8 beat on the drum set. Although not as common in jazz as Bossa Nova, Samba and other Latin drum beats, it is sometimes used, so it’s important to know. Many rock and pop drummers used Latin rhythms in their playing as well, so it’s good for drummers in these genres to have the Afro-Cuban 6/8 beat in their repertoire as well.
We’re going to learn the basic beat in 3 steps.
1. Step one: Play the following 2 measure triplet pattern. The first measure is just RLRLRL. The second measure is RLLRLL. Put your right hand on your ride cymbal and left hand on the snare drum. We’re going to count this in 2.
2. Step two: Put your bass drum in unison with your right hand.
3. Step three: Use cross-sticks on the first measure for your left hand. On the second measure play the small tom and floor tom with your left hand. You can also add your high hat with your foot on count 2 when you’re comfortable.
When you’re comfortable with the basic beat practice improvising. Watch the video for a demonstration.
You should also practice playing along with other musicians. Senor Blues by Horrace Silver is a good example. It’s fairly slow so a good place to start.
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