Mel Bay's Percussion Sessions | John Toomey - Left Foot Independence: Lesson 2

Left Foot Independence: Lesson 2

Multitasking With Your Left Foot

by John Toomey

It has been a while since I have written on the subject of left foot independence. Come to think of it, it has been a while since I have written on any subject for percussion sessions. All I can say is I’m glad to be able to contribute once again.

My last lesson on creative left foot ostinatos was published in April 2008. It dealt predominately in quarter note voicings for the left foot. This lesson incorporates some rudimentary eighth note patterns. If any of you are interested in starting from the beginning, please refer back to the April issue of percussion sessions.

Ideally, I am writing these lessons to cater to the players with a cowbell, woodblock or some other auxiliary percussion instrument that is played with the left foot. If you do not have an additional pedal besides the hi-hat, these first couple of lessons will still work for you. Instead of splitting your left foot or bouncing between two pedals, you can play the auxiliary percussion notes as an open hi-hat splash with the foot.

I have included some accompanying groove ideas with the left foot patterns. Be sure to mix and match all the patterns together. And of course, be creative and come up with some of your own. Have fun with these. For those of you who master these quickly, don’t worry, they will get progressively more difficult. My goal with these is to help provide some inspiration and elevate your playing to a higher level.

Left Foot Systems:

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2.)

3.)

4.)

5.)

6.)

Basic Groove Patterns:

A.)

B.)

C.)

D.)

E.)

F.)

About the Author

John Toomey recently received his Bachelor's degree in Music and Music Business from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee and is currently on tour with the country rock duo, Bomshel, signed with Curb Records. He also performs and records for various heavy metal, progressive, fusion, and country artists around the Nashville area.