Breaking down difficult beats

Finger Drumming Lessons / Courses / Practice
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I’ve found that it is useful in the case of a beat that is a little difficult, to play just the first part of it . . . a small bite sized chunk, repeatedly. And when comfortable with that move on the next bite sized chunk and play that for several repetitions. And so on. When comfortable with all the individual pieces, then try to string them together at a slower speed, which you can then increase as you feel comfortable.

This is kind of a variation of the technique shown in the “time and time again” which involves playing individual drum parts and then combining them.

Bottom line: Breaking a big job into small pieces to gain proficiency. Then combining.

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Yes, there is also a variation called the “salami slice” method. For example, the bar is 4 16th note counts. 1e&a2e&a3e&a4e&a

Then you “slice” this into 16th notes, and you start by only playing the first 2 counts. So “1e” and then you leave the rest empty (keep counting)
1e ———— 1e ———– etc.

When that works, add 1. 1e& —————- 1e& ————— etc.

When that works, add another one 1e&a—————- 1e&a————– etc.

This sometimes works when just “going slow” is not all you need. You can usually have. higher tempo with this method.