Download the music here: Feeling Cross
Feeling Cross Section A
We are continuing our study of crosses with my accent tap exercise Feeling Cross.
Take note that the crosses in this exercise are TAPS, NOT ACCENTS. This will help you get control over your crosses, keeping them low and the movement efficient.
It is much easier to cross with an accent, so this will be a much more effective use of your practice time.
Section A works on crossing over to the outside drums.
Practice this pattern with your right hand keeping your left hand on drum 2:
After that feels good, add in the left-hand 16th notes:
When comfortable, try going through the entire line. Isolate any spots that give you trouble. For now, replace the paradiddle at the end of the line with alternating 16th notes.
Now let’s switch over to the left hand.
Play these with your left hand keeping your right hand on drum 1:
After that feels good, add in the right-hand 16th notes:
When comfortable, try going through the entire line. Isolate any spots that give you trouble. For now, replace the paradiddle at the end of the line with alternating 16th notes.
Now try the whole section. For this, we need to add back in the paradiddles at the end of each line. Work on these as needed to get used to transitioning from one line to another.
When the pattern is in your hands, turn on the metronome to 80 bpm and begin playing reps in front of a mirror.
As you play, shift your focus every few reps between the following:
-Play on one drum and around, making sure wrist rotation feels the same for both
-Keep crossing hand low -Stay perfectly in time with the metronome
-Keep heights consistent -Rotate through 3”, 6”, 9”, and 12” heights
-Tacet (non-playing) hand is still -Watch playing positions
As you get comfortable and are achieving the goals above, slowly increase the metronome by intervals of 8-10 bpm. Spend at least 30-45 minutes playing continuous reps.
Here are some of my reps at a few different tempos and heights. As you watch, critique my playing (no one is perfect!). Make note of anything you think I could do better. Keep these things in mind as you watch yourself in your mirror.