Lesson 11: 8th Note Triplets

In this lesson, I discuss 8th Note Triplets and rests - what they look like, what they sound like, and how to count them. FREE “Triplet Cheat Sheet” Booklet

LessonsChristian JohnsonFebruary 4, 2022Rhythm and Reading Series, 8th Notes, Intermediate, Triplets, Reading, Rhythm

Lesson 10: Syncopation (2 Parts)

Lesson 10 introduces the concept of Syncopation. There are two parts to this lesson. Part 1 deals with 8th note syncopation and Part 2 deals with 16th Note Syncopation. Exercise PDFs

LessonsChristian JohnsonJanuary 27, 2022Rhythm and Reading Series, Reading, Rhythm, Beginner, IntermediateComment

Quick Lesson: Gaddiments: Six-Stroke Roll with Mustard (page 29)

In this quick lesson, I demonstrate how to play the “Six-Stroke Roll with Mustard” exercise from page 29 in Steve Gadd’s Gaddiments. I play the exercise at tempo, and then demonstrate each ending slowly to help you understand the tricky notation.

LessonsChristian JohnsonJanuary 17, 2022Lessons, Gaddiments, Steve Gadd, Rudiments, Drum Pad, Intermediate, SyncopationComment

Lesson: How To Read and Play - Gaddiments Six-Stroke Roll with Mustard (Page 29)

In this lesson, I teach my method for figuring out tough rhythms using the “Six-Stroke Roll with Mustard” exercise on page 29 of Steve Gadd’s Gaddiments as an example. It’s a great lesson if you’re interested in learning this process or if you’re having a tough time with this Gaddiments exercise.

LessonsChristian JohnsonJanuary 17, 2022Lessons, Rudiments, Drum Pad, Intermediate, Steve Gadd, Gaddiments, Syncopation, ReadingComment

Lesson 9: Ties and Dots

Lesson 9 introduces two ways that composers can create longer duration sounds - Ties and Dots. I'll also cover rarer double dotted rhythms and briefly cover the 6/4 and 7/4 time signatures.

LessonsChristian JohnsonDecember 22, 2020Rhythm and Reading Series, Reading, Rhythm, Beginner, Intermediate Comment

How to Hold The Drum Sticks: Matched and Traditional Grip

This brief lesson shows you the proper grips for holding the drum sticks. There are two videos; one for matched grip and one for traditional grip. They’re great for beginners or old pros who want to see exactly how the stick should be held.

LessonsChristian JohnsonDecember 15, 2020Beginner, Matched Grip, Traditional Grip, LessonsComment

Lesson 8: Sixteenth Note Rests

Lesson 8 features 16th note rests and all of the places you can play (or not play) them! We also add the 2/4 time signature to our basket of time signatures.

LessonsChristian JohnsonDecember 8, 2020Rhythm and Reading Series, Reading, Rhythm, Intermediate, BeginnerComment

Lesson 7: Sixteenth Notes - Part 2

Here's Part 2 of the discussion on 16th notes. In this lesson I'll talk about mixing 16th's and 8th's to make totally new rhythms!

Lesson 6: Sixteenth Notes - Part 1

Lesson 6 is about 16th notes! I'll introduce the Table of Time and the multi-measure repeat sign. This is part 1 of a 2-part lesson.

LessonsChristian JohnsonNovember 25, 2020Rhythm and Reading Series, Rhythm, Reading, Intermediate, Beginner Comment

Lesson 5: Eighth Note Rests

In lesson 5, I'll do a recap of whole note, half note, and quarter note rests along with teaching about the 8th note rest. I'll also cover the concept of downbeats and upbeats and end with an introduction to the single measure repeat sign.

LessonsChristian JohnsonNovember 17, 2020Rhythm and Reading Series, Rhythm, Reading, Beginner, Intermediate