This presentation introduces the basic concepts behind drum set chart interpretation.

1. Intro to Drum Set Chart
Interpretation
Kobe Beef

2. What is a Chart?
• Specific notation
– Parts precisely written out
– Little room for improv
• Rhythmic notation
– Slashes and “hits”
– Plenty of room forimprov!!

3. Rhythmic Notation: Why?
• Why rhythmic interpretation instead of
written parts?
– Players improvise more natural parts than
composers write
– Improv keeps music interesting

4. The Basics of Interpretation
• Style & feel
– Jazz? Funk? Rock?
Each style has its
own drumming
vocabulary
– Vocabulary can only
be understood and
applied well after
extensive
listening!!!

5. Swing Jazz Example
• Excerpt from Tommy
Igoe’s “Groove
Essentials 1.0” DVD
– Pay close attention to
what the drummer
plays during the hit
section
• Similar but different
interpretations each
time

6. The Basics of Interpretation
• Written music
– Slashes? Hits? Long notes or short notes?
Accents? Dynamics?
• Section vs. Ensemble figures
– Everything must be within the context of the
music

7. Common Skeleton Figure
• Listen to a few different interpretations of this
figure:

8. Funk Example
• This is an excerpt of The Dave Weckl Band’s
interpretation of Jaco Pastorius’ classic tune,
“The Chicken”
• Again, the interpretation is slightly different
– Short notes vs. long notes
– Licks that fit musically!

9. Keep Listening!
• Listen for recurring patterns and fills
• Learn to apply fills in different places
• Thanks for checking out my powerpoint!