Thanks for coming back! I’m posting today’s drill from Canada.
Let’s move forward with Pattern 2 for taiko set.
Focus: Form, Dexterity
Watch For:
1. Pay attention to dynamics–this is what can make a simple pattern into an interesting rhythm.
2. Probably, I don’t need to say it again, but just in case:) Move from your core, not your arms!
Okay, here’s a review of last week’s basic rhythm:
don tsu ku do ko do ko don tsu ku do ko do ko
don tsu ku don tsu ku don tsu ku do ko do ko
Red means Right, Black means Left, bold is emphasized.
Last week, we played just the “don” on the right, high-pitched drum. This week, we’ll do the same thing, but also play all of the “do ko do ko” on the right drum as well. So, essentially, only “tsu ku” should be played on the left drum.
Here’s a tip in terms of making your movements fluid. At the beginning of Line 2, we play “don tsu ku” 3 times. For each “don tsu ku” only the Right hand needs to switch drums. Let your left bachi hang out at the left drum, just to the left of center of the skin. The left bachi is always moving, up and slightly faster down, just like when you play “don tsu ku” on a single drum.
If your right drum is a shime and your left drum an oke daiko, keep in mind that “tsu ku” may sound quieter on the oke daiko than the shime. You may need to play louder than you think on the left drum in order to keep a good balance. Feel free to experiment with this.
If you loop this pattern with last week’s Pattern 1, here’s what should happen:
Pattern 1 has the normal don tsu ku dynamics, “do ko do ko” is even in volume, not particularly emphasized.
Pattern 2 has the normal don tsu ku dynamics, “do ko do ko” is even in volume, and emphasized.
Loop these patterns daily 15-20 minutes and don’t be afraid of your metronome! Back with a video demo and the last line for this drill next week.
Extension:
Try out some improvised accents when playing “do ko do ko” for Pattern 1. This is something that should be on the spot without planning, but here are some examples (“tsu” or “ku” means non-emphasized):
- tsu ko tsu ko
- do don tsu ku
- tsu ko don tsu
- tsu ku tsu ko
Loop this with Pattern 2 as described above.