Solo #7 From Advanced Funk Studies by Rick Latham

Here is solo #7 from the classic drumming book Advanced Funk Studies by Rick Latham. This is one of my favorite books of all time and I use it regularly with students. Solo #7 is written in a difficult linear funk style similar to the drumming of David Garibaldi, Gerry Brown, Mike Clark, Steve Gadd and Ed Greene. It is a challenge to play this style evenly so I would suggest starting slowly with the metronome subdivided in 16th notes and play 4 bar phrases over and over until you are comfortable. Don’t forget to record yourself to check for accuracy. In this video I start with a performance of solo #7 and then I talk about the techniques used to play the piece. I also show you the Ludwig Supraphonic snare that I love for this type of funk drumming. I talk about rim shots and there application (don’t use too many) and I also demonstrate a few bars that are especially tricky at a slower tempo. The equipment I am using for this video consists of: Doc Sweeney Stave Drums in African Olive wood 20“x 16“ Bass Dru