a. Non-Linear Groove @ b. Linear Groove Developmental Keys a. Mental focal point Listen carefully to the drum machine pattern while working through any of the funk exercises. The key to solidifying quick syncopated figures is to first lower the tempo on the drum machine. Next, play sixteenth notes on a drum or cymbal while adjusting the machine volume. Adjust the volume s0 it is close to the level of the drum set instruments being played. This will help on lining up the figures in time. if the notes of the drum machine are heard while playing the drum set, the drum set notes are out of time. If the notes from the drum machine are not heard while playing, it is right on! b. Physical focal point In many forms of music, especially funk drumming, @ technique is utilize called ghosting notes. ‘A ghost note is a note that is played at a very low volume. The note has the same value as a regular note but is implied more than stated. This technique has a great effect on the feel of the grooves. Ghost notes add a forward motion to the grooves by filling in the holes around the main notes. c. Developmental exercise The common stick height for a ghost note is 1/2". The ghost notes are notated as unaccented notes. All accented notes will have an 8" to 10" stick height. A common rule for the sound of ghost notes on the snare drum is to try to emulate the sound of a hi-hat being struck with the tip of the stick. A good sticking pattern to help practice ghost note nuances is called the paradiddle. The paradiddle is a rudimental sticking pattern that looks like this: R L RR cL L CRLLALRA R RLRALALL Use this exercise played between the snare and hi-hat to listen for the ghost note volume levels. Remember to use the shaft of the stick for accented notes on the hi-hat and the tip for unaccented notes.