Welcome back to TGIF!
If you've been sticking with the program, you should be able to hone in on the skills you've gained so far with this drill. We're still working with the same paradiddle pattern, with new beats emphasized. The combination this time will be a great opportunity to re-visit the idea of your non-emphasized hand acting as the base beat, introduced in TGIF 3.
Focus: Clarity, Dexterity
Watch for:
1. Keep in mind that non-emphasized hits should be equally quiet in volume, and emphasized hits should be equal in volume as well.
2. Pay attention to your emphasized hand. Make sure that its movement away from the drum and toward the drum makes a straight line.
Alright, simply put, here it is:
R L R R L R L L
R L R R L R L L
Play it through, emphasizing only the Right hand, and then repeat with the Left hand emphasized. Make sure to consider the time and space the emphasized hand will need to make a powerful hit.
Extension:
Here's a string of the paradiddle patterns we've done so far. Give it a shot!
R L R R L R L L (4X)
R L R R L R L L (4X)
R L R R L R L L R L R R L R L L (X2)
Only 1 more line to go to finish the whole pattern.
gambatte!
A place for useful tips, drills, and information about taiko.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
TGIF, Part 6 (taiko drills)
Hi! Let's just jump right in to this one.
Focus: Timing, Clarity
Watch for:
1. Keep in mind that non-emphasized hits should be equally quiet in volume, and emphasized hits should be equal in volume as well.
2. While it's key to be aware of volume, the location of contact can also alter the sound, as noted last week. Practice hitting the exact same 3 places on the drum (divided into 3rds as previously described in Part 5) each time for consistent sound.
Please keep in mind last week's instructions as we continue this week. We'll focus on the same pattern here, but change the emphasis. This time, emphasize any double hits:
R L R R L R L L
It's important to keep in mind the point # 1 above, particularly for the emphasized hits. Make sure that the second emphasized hit is just as loud as the first, and continue to keep the non-emphasized hits quiet. Remember--emphasized hits are played at the center of the drum and other hits are played at the 1/3rd marks.
You're all set. 15 minutes a day with your favorite metronome friend:)
Check back mid-week next week for some tips on how to create controlled, intentional hits that are gentle and quiet simultaneously. Probably you guessed it--it's all in the grip!
Extension:
Take last week's drill and alternate it with this one, looping continuously. See if you can get these two drills into your body, because we'll be adding another string to this next week!
Mata ne!
Focus: Timing, Clarity
Watch for:
1. Keep in mind that non-emphasized hits should be equally quiet in volume, and emphasized hits should be equal in volume as well.
2. While it's key to be aware of volume, the location of contact can also alter the sound, as noted last week. Practice hitting the exact same 3 places on the drum (divided into 3rds as previously described in Part 5) each time for consistent sound.
Please keep in mind last week's instructions as we continue this week. We'll focus on the same pattern here, but change the emphasis. This time, emphasize any double hits:
R L R R L R L L
It's important to keep in mind the point # 1 above, particularly for the emphasized hits. Make sure that the second emphasized hit is just as loud as the first, and continue to keep the non-emphasized hits quiet. Remember--emphasized hits are played at the center of the drum and other hits are played at the 1/3rd marks.
You're all set. 15 minutes a day with your favorite metronome friend:)
Check back mid-week next week for some tips on how to create controlled, intentional hits that are gentle and quiet simultaneously. Probably you guessed it--it's all in the grip!
Extension:
Take last week's drill and alternate it with this one, looping continuously. See if you can get these two drills into your body, because we'll be adding another string to this next week!
Mata ne!
Friday, October 17, 2008
TGIF, Part 5 (taiko drills)
Welcome back!
Sorry there were no tips this week. My little 2-year-old niece kept me quite busy. Let's check in on the paradiddles a bit more thoroughly.
Focus: Timing, Dexterity, Form
Watch for:
1. Take a moment to check your form in a mirror (with or without a drum). If your sticks are not striking in a direct line perpendicular to the drum, it not only makes your hits look sloppy, but it makes the sound less defined.
2. Non-emphasized hits should be quiet. Is it obvious which hits are emphasized and which are not? Pay close attention to this with today's drill.
Take a moment to look at your drum. If you're playing successive hits with both hands, where do your sticks usually make contact? Have you noticed that the tone of the drum is different depending on what part of the head you hit?
Let's take last week's pattern and explore this further. Play the pattern a few times on a drum first. Remember that bold hits are emphasized:
R L R R L R L L
Now, visualize that the diameter of your drum head is divided into 3rds and place each stick at a 1/3 mark. So, 1/3 of the drum is to the left of your left hand, 1/3 is between your hands, and 1/3 is to the right of your right hand. Make all of the non-emphasized hits at these points.
All of the emphasized points should be made at the center of the drum. By choosing carefully where to strike the drum, you'll be able to emphasize the bold hits more distinctly because the tone will be different from your non-emphasized hits.
Okay, you're all set! 15 minutes a day, increasing speed with a metronome, and I'll check in next week.
Extension:
Take a moment to tap different parts of your drum with your bachi at different angles. What sounds the best to you? I know what sound I like best (and if you've taken my workshop, so do you!) and how to achieve that with form. If you play taiko with a group, having all members strike the same way will really clarify your sound.
So, take some time to figure out what works and then be consistent. Let me know how things are going--I'd love to hear from you!
Gambatte!
Note:
The Yuasa Taiko Festival is next weekend. Drop me an email if you're in the Wakayama area and would like information.
Sorry there were no tips this week. My little 2-year-old niece kept me quite busy. Let's check in on the paradiddles a bit more thoroughly.
Focus: Timing, Dexterity, Form
Watch for:
1. Take a moment to check your form in a mirror (with or without a drum). If your sticks are not striking in a direct line perpendicular to the drum, it not only makes your hits look sloppy, but it makes the sound less defined.
2. Non-emphasized hits should be quiet. Is it obvious which hits are emphasized and which are not? Pay close attention to this with today's drill.
Take a moment to look at your drum. If you're playing successive hits with both hands, where do your sticks usually make contact? Have you noticed that the tone of the drum is different depending on what part of the head you hit?
Let's take last week's pattern and explore this further. Play the pattern a few times on a drum first. Remember that bold hits are emphasized:
R L R R L R L L
Now, visualize that the diameter of your drum head is divided into 3rds and place each stick at a 1/3 mark. So, 1/3 of the drum is to the left of your left hand, 1/3 is between your hands, and 1/3 is to the right of your right hand. Make all of the non-emphasized hits at these points.
All of the emphasized points should be made at the center of the drum. By choosing carefully where to strike the drum, you'll be able to emphasize the bold hits more distinctly because the tone will be different from your non-emphasized hits.
Okay, you're all set! 15 minutes a day, increasing speed with a metronome, and I'll check in next week.
Extension:
Take a moment to tap different parts of your drum with your bachi at different angles. What sounds the best to you? I know what sound I like best (and if you've taken my workshop, so do you!) and how to achieve that with form. If you play taiko with a group, having all members strike the same way will really clarify your sound.
So, take some time to figure out what works and then be consistent. Let me know how things are going--I'd love to hear from you!
Gambatte!
Note:
The Yuasa Taiko Festival is next weekend. Drop me an email if you're in the Wakayama area and would like information.
Friday, October 10, 2008
TGIF, Part 4 (taiko drills)
Happy Friday! Let's get started.
We've been focusing on ways to make the hands more dexterous. This next drill will do just that--It's time for paradiddles.
Focus: Timing, Dexterity
Watch for:
1. Pay attention to the spacing between hits. Not only should the first beat be on the down beat, but the timing should be precise for all 4 hits of the phrase.
2. Make sure the non-emphasized hits (beats 2, 3, and 4) are equal in volume, as well as the height your sticks come off the drum in preparation.
One goal with this drill is to provide an opportunity to bring together everything we've practiced so far. So, think about your non-emphasized hits as the base beat, but we'll mix up which hand is the base hand. The bold marks are emphasized hits:
R L R R L R L L
That's it! Simple enough, right? It' s a very effective way to review the skills and mindset I've introduced so far. Repeat for 15 minutes straight, daily for 7 days, and come back for more next week. Remember to keep those guidelines for metronome speeds in mind, as described in TGIF 3.
Gambatte ne!
We've been focusing on ways to make the hands more dexterous. This next drill will do just that--It's time for paradiddles.
Focus: Timing, Dexterity
Watch for:
1. Pay attention to the spacing between hits. Not only should the first beat be on the down beat, but the timing should be precise for all 4 hits of the phrase.
2. Make sure the non-emphasized hits (beats 2, 3, and 4) are equal in volume, as well as the height your sticks come off the drum in preparation.
One goal with this drill is to provide an opportunity to bring together everything we've practiced so far. So, think about your non-emphasized hits as the base beat, but we'll mix up which hand is the base hand. The bold marks are emphasized hits:
R L R R L R L L
That's it! Simple enough, right? It' s a very effective way to review the skills and mindset I've introduced so far. Repeat for 15 minutes straight, daily for 7 days, and come back for more next week. Remember to keep those guidelines for metronome speeds in mind, as described in TGIF 3.
Gambatte ne!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Aiming for Ambidexterity
Do you ever feel like you could play anything with your right hand, but your left hand just can't seem to figure it out? (or the opposite for you leftys out there) There are a few different ways you can increase your level of ambidexterity.
The simplest way has to do with your mouth. You heard me right--the place where you put food. Eating is simple and something we do at least 3 times a day. What? Your family doesn't like when you tap rhythms on the dinner table?? No worries--this doesn't involve any drumming.
It's simple: Use your weak hand to feed yourself. Seriously--try it. Every day at every meal. I challenge you. The result? Well, perhaps more food will go on the floor than in your mouth. Or people will look at you funny when you eat. Or your eating mates will get tired of waiting 2 hours for you to finish eating.
But, really, if you try this every day you'll find that playing taiko with your weak hand is much, much easier. In fact, doing anything with your weak hand will suddenly become easier.
If your eating times are rushed during the day, choose another daily ritual where you can take your time to make improvements. Like, brushing your teeth. Or washing dishes. Have other ideas? Post a comment!
The simplest way has to do with your mouth. You heard me right--the place where you put food. Eating is simple and something we do at least 3 times a day. What? Your family doesn't like when you tap rhythms on the dinner table?? No worries--this doesn't involve any drumming.
It's simple: Use your weak hand to feed yourself. Seriously--try it. Every day at every meal. I challenge you. The result? Well, perhaps more food will go on the floor than in your mouth. Or people will look at you funny when you eat. Or your eating mates will get tired of waiting 2 hours for you to finish eating.
But, really, if you try this every day you'll find that playing taiko with your weak hand is much, much easier. In fact, doing anything with your weak hand will suddenly become easier.
If your eating times are rushed during the day, choose another daily ritual where you can take your time to make improvements. Like, brushing your teeth. Or washing dishes. Have other ideas? Post a comment!
Friday, October 3, 2008
TGIF, Part 3 (taiko drills)
VIDEO DEMO COMING SOON!
Yatta! It's time for a new drill. If you've been sticking with it daily, you should be noticing some progress by now. Just make sure that you're working at a speed that allows you to loop the drill for 15 minutes, but it should be the fastest speed you are able to work in. Your speed will increase naturally if you keep this in mind.
For example, if you've been working at 120bmp, check to see if you can work at 144bpm. If that's too fast, then gradually decrease your speed until you're able to loop it comfortably. Repeat these steps 1 or 2 days later to be sure to always challenge yourself.
Okay, so today's drill:
Focus: Timing, Dexterity
Watch for:1. We've all heard it before--Listen to the base beat! I also challenge you to feel the base beat. This is essential for improvement with this drill.
2. Keep your base hits strong, but small. Your bachi should come no higher than 3 inches off the drum.
Let's start where we left off last week. Your weak hand is the base beat (a.k.a. base hand), keeping a straight beat along with your metronome. Your strong hand will have lots of free time for this drill, but the goal is to hit right on the down beat with your base hand.
Play 8 beats base to start. At the start of the next 8 count, the strong hand should play on 1 and then rest for the rest of the 8-count. The next time through, the strong hand will play on 2 and then rest. Third time through, it plays on beat 3. Get the idea?
In the following chart, the bold indicates where your strong hand should hit.
Now when your strong hand rests this doesn't mean it goes on vacation. Use the "ma" for movement. Your hand must go up before it comes down, right? Take the time to move that arm up so you can make a strong DON when it strikes the drum. Don't increase your speed until the strong hand is consistently hitting at the exact same time as the base beat every time it strikes.
Consider what I mean by "feel" the base beat. The ultimate goal is for the base hand to work mindlessly, so your body actually becomes the base beat. Naturally, you're probably not there yet, but when you get there, you'll feel what I mean. Keep repeating this drill and it will happen!
That's it! 15-20 minutes a day. Make sure you switch hands, spending more time with your weak hand as the base hand.
Note: To those of you who have taken my bachi technique workshop before--Be sure to make it a habit to use the shime grip with your base hand with good form (don't get lazy with this). Getting this right can make your progress with speed much faster. Your other hand can be either grip, depending on what drum you're on.
Extension:
Try this if you're able to play the above drill at 112 (double time). The base hand plays always on the down beat, just as above. The bold marks where the other hand should play loud, strong hits:
So, who's out there? If you're checking these out let me know--I appreciate your feedback. Plus, I'm flexible! If there's something you'd like to see me focus on, I'm more than willing to consider. According to the quiz I had posted last week, most of you are beginners. Post your questions. Introduce yourself.
Next week my sister will be in Japan! So, I have next week's drill all ready to go, as well as an entry on the silly ways I try to become more dexterous in life. But, we'll be doing a bit of traveling and I'm not sure when I'll get to a computer. I'll do my best to be on time, but things may be a bit off schedule.
Gambatte ne!
Yatta! It's time for a new drill. If you've been sticking with it daily, you should be noticing some progress by now. Just make sure that you're working at a speed that allows you to loop the drill for 15 minutes, but it should be the fastest speed you are able to work in. Your speed will increase naturally if you keep this in mind.
For example, if you've been working at 120bmp, check to see if you can work at 144bpm. If that's too fast, then gradually decrease your speed until you're able to loop it comfortably. Repeat these steps 1 or 2 days later to be sure to always challenge yourself.
Okay, so today's drill:
Focus: Timing, Dexterity
Watch for:1. We've all heard it before--Listen to the base beat! I also challenge you to feel the base beat. This is essential for improvement with this drill.
2. Keep your base hits strong, but small. Your bachi should come no higher than 3 inches off the drum.
Let's start where we left off last week. Your weak hand is the base beat (a.k.a. base hand), keeping a straight beat along with your metronome. Your strong hand will have lots of free time for this drill, but the goal is to hit right on the down beat with your base hand.
Play 8 beats base to start. At the start of the next 8 count, the strong hand should play on 1 and then rest for the rest of the 8-count. The next time through, the strong hand will play on 2 and then rest. Third time through, it plays on beat 3. Get the idea?
In the following chart, the bold indicates where your strong hand should hit.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don |
| don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don |
| don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don |
| don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don |
| don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don |
| don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don |
| don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don |
| don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don |
Now when your strong hand rests this doesn't mean it goes on vacation. Use the "ma" for movement. Your hand must go up before it comes down, right? Take the time to move that arm up so you can make a strong DON when it strikes the drum. Don't increase your speed until the strong hand is consistently hitting at the exact same time as the base beat every time it strikes.
Consider what I mean by "feel" the base beat. The ultimate goal is for the base hand to work mindlessly, so your body actually becomes the base beat. Naturally, you're probably not there yet, but when you get there, you'll feel what I mean. Keep repeating this drill and it will happen!
That's it! 15-20 minutes a day. Make sure you switch hands, spending more time with your weak hand as the base hand.
Note: To those of you who have taken my bachi technique workshop before--Be sure to make it a habit to use the shime grip with your base hand with good form (don't get lazy with this). Getting this right can make your progress with speed much faster. Your other hand can be either grip, depending on what drum you're on.
Extension:
Try this if you're able to play the above drill at 112 (double time). The base hand plays always on the down beat, just as above. The bold marks where the other hand should play loud, strong hits:
| 1 | & | 2 | & | 3 | & | 4 | & | 5 | & | 6 | & | 7 | & | 8 |
| don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | |||||||
| don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | |||||||
| don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | |||||
| don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | |||||
| don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | |||
| don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | |||
| don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | |||
| don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don | don |
So, who's out there? If you're checking these out let me know--I appreciate your feedback. Plus, I'm flexible! If there's something you'd like to see me focus on, I'm more than willing to consider. According to the quiz I had posted last week, most of you are beginners. Post your questions. Introduce yourself.
Next week my sister will be in Japan! So, I have next week's drill all ready to go, as well as an entry on the silly ways I try to become more dexterous in life. But, we'll be doing a bit of traveling and I'm not sure when I'll get to a computer. I'll do my best to be on time, but things may be a bit off schedule.
Gambatte ne!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)