Short Phrase Inversions in 5/4

Now here's an exercise I'm sure will leave most of you with heads spinning…or at least I hope so. I stumbled upon this bear of a challenge recently while messing around with some 5/4 phrases I had previously written out. They consist of two bar phrases in which the bass drum and snare have a call and response quality to them. As you become more comfortable with each phrase, start combining them to listen in on the intimate interplay between the bass and snare. You will literally be staging a conversation between two voices!

In the examples, the ride and hi-hat will be holding down a traditional 5/4 swing pattern to set the scene for the bass and snare interaction. For an added challenge, try playing either the bass or snare louder than the other. Then, switch them around in mid phrase. By doing so you are the varying the dynamic between speakers and creating excitement and tension.

Have a lot of fun with these, people!

Ride Patterns:
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Hi-Hat Patterns:
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Phrases:

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