Drum Lessons: Billy Ashbaugh: Hi-Hat Independence Part 1

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ringochris Says Excellent!

Submitted On: Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 - 7:40 PM

That's a portion of my practice sorted for the next few days at least! I've been meaning to get round to working on something like this for ages. My left foot never does much more than playing on beats 2 & 4. Thanks Billy.

billy ashbaugh Says Re: Excellent!

Submitted On: Saturday, Mar 27, 2010 - 9:00 AM

Very cool...please let me know how things go!!

cowboyplayindrummer Says My dilemna

Submitted On: Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 - 2:36 PM

I always seem to have my left foot moving in 8th's on the hi-hat and it can sometimes be a hinderance. But when I'm playing, I can't seem to ask it to stop because I think it's part of my counting mechanism. Any tips or ideas on how to stop that silly nonsense?

~cowboy

billy ashbaugh Says Re: My dilemna

Submitted On: Saturday, Mar 27, 2010 - 8:59 AM

There's nothing wrong with playing steady 8th's with your left foot, but I understand you wanting to be able to control that. The idea is to be able to call on this voicing at will...whenever the music calls for it. I would suggest spending more time with exercises like this one. You could also try just 2 & 4 w/ your hat, or even 1 & 3. You could also try every & or up beat. I think if you work on playing tons of grooves in this setting, over time you will develop the independence with your hi-hat that you're looking for...Good luck & enjoy the journey!
Billy

cowboyplayindrummer Says Re: Re: My dilemna

Submitted On: Saturday, Mar 27, 2010 - 12:38 PM

Thanks Billy, I just don't like that nervous "twitch" which is 8th to the foot and 16th's literally shaking my leg. And I think it's mainly in my head. It's not like the 8th's are noticeably audible but it can in fact sound funny when I strike the hi-hat and my foot has it between an open and closed position. I'll have to "ask" my leg to stop moving, but when I get into my playing, the leg starts moving subconsciously again as if some kind of internal timing mechanism. I'll try your advice and see if I can get better control over the situation.

billy ashbaugh Says Re: Re: Re: My dilemna

Submitted On: Sunday, Mar 28, 2010 - 6:59 PM

I understand what you're saying. I really think plain old muscle memory might help you out. I think if you start out having to "make" your left foot stop moving on its own, then over time it will automatically begin to listen at the gig. Good luck & please let me know how it goes :)

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