Moving a triplet figure through the bar.

This is another idea similar to #idea 41 that plays with moving a triplet partial comping figure through all the placements in a bar.

The base pattern is a triplet voiced between the kick and the snare drum - kick, snare, kick - which can sound really hip.

The exercise is simple. Practice each exercise with jazz time. When you are comfortable with the pattern shift it by one triplet eighth note. Practice and repeat until you’ve played it in all the positions in the bar.

I’ve written out the first six placements - A. I’m pretty sure you can figure out the rest.

I recommend playing one bar of just time and then playing the figure in the second bar. This way you will get a better sense of the musical application.

Some of the placements will be easier and sound better than others. Experiment. You can also try voicing the snare part on other sounds.

You can repeat the whole thing with the reverse pattern - snare, kick, snare - B. See what sounds and phrases emerge. (see PDF).

Finally, experiment with playing the figure in two different positions in the bar - C. (see PDF)

As always, start at a slow tempo and work up to make sure the execution is crisp.

Have fun. Make music.