the Rata

Deconstruct the Ratamacue by a few notes but continue with the same crescendo phrasing of the Ratamacue. ((rr)LR)((ll)RL)

Ratamacues

Historically rudimental studies have helped drummers to explore a wider range of dynamics, control and speed. Billy Cobham is from the rudimental school, here he demonstrates how to play ratamacues around the drums. Unlike many other rudiments, ratamacues have a softer beginning that crescendo fast, it's a surprising effect when applied musically around the drums.

Fast Rolls and Dirty Eights

This technique is designed for anyone who wants to learn the effortless fast roll. Hold on to your sticks with all fingers, lock your wrists, rotate from the elbows, and your hands move straight up and down. Eight on a hand from the elbow, hitting two notes instead of one is what I call "Dirty Eights". Fast Rolls are the same thing as Dirty Eights just add the other hand. The roll pattern I demonstrate is in five/ four it's two tap five rolls and a tap drag. (rlrlr, lrlrl, rlr/ lrlrl, rlrlr, lrl) Enjoy!

Detroit Willy

A combination of two hybrids: the grandma (rlrrl,lrllr) the second and last note accented of each and the three(rlr,lrl) with an accented middle note. The Detroit Willy can be alternated or repeated on each hand. Work this up to speed and you have a jazzy lick that builds stick control.

Trees

This is what I call "Trees" a "three" with a "drag" on the middle note.

Herta Exercise

Playing "threes" in a sixteenth note pattern creates a rudiment known as the "Herta". This is a good hand balancing exercise, also good for speed development. Move the "three" from the "1" to the "E" to the "&" to the "A" of the sixteenth notes.