Syncopation For The Modern Drummer

by Ted Reed

This classic is 64 pages of material that every drummer can gain immeasurable knowledge from. Since its original publication in 1958, Syncopation has been used by drummers as an ever expanding tool for developing reading skills, coordination and technique. It was reviewed in Modern Drummer in August of 1993, and voted 2nd on their list of the 25 Greatest Drum Books of All Time.

From the Foreword:

"In every band or ensemble, the drummer is called upon to give that group a solid rhythmic foundation. Therefore it is important that every drummer have excellent music reading skills. The goal of this book is to first introduce basic music reading skills and then to explore many of the most common syncopation rhythms found in today's music."

Lessons 1 to 12 contain simple four-beat patterns meant to be played over and over again. You'll start by playing quarter notes, eighth notes and dotted eighth/sixteenth notes, then go a step further to some intricate exercises using eighth-note triplets and sixteenth notes. By the time you progress to the syncopation section, you're well acquainted with the sticking patterns. Every page from there on is filled with licks you can use to impress your friends and band members.

Syncopation can be studied "as is" or interpreted into hundreds of ways of playing the material. Only your imagination limits how you can use this book. It's used by drum teachers worldwide. Get it! Use It!