Dynamic Independence (PDF)

This is a challenging book! As drummers, we tend to dedicate a lot of time towards independence/coordination in the traditional sense — meaning, the ability to play contrasting rhythms with each of the 4 limbs. But, we tend to dedicate much less time to making sure that we have complete control over the volume that we play each of these rhythms at. This is an extremely important skill that the best drummers all have an exceptional command over. But, don’t think that it will come easily!

So, I ask you the question: do you feel that you have complete control over the volume of each limb when you play the drums? Do you feel that you’re able to effectively “mix” the volume of each piece of the drum set? Do you ever find that your snare drum is popping too much, or your ride cymbal isn’t cutting? If these are questions that you have surrounding your drumming, this is the basic fundamental work that you should be putting in. Suitable for drummers ranging from near-beginner to professional level.

The entire book is played with one hand on the ride cymbal, the other hand on the snare drum, one foot on the bass drum, and the other foot on the hi hat pedal. This is all you need to effectively practice this book, and the exercises can even be played away from the drum set. I hope this book helps to open up your ears, mind and hands to a whole new world of expressive possibilities on the drum set.