Learning Licks - Troy Miller

What are we learning?
In this episode, we will be looking at a lick played by Troy Miller within a half time shuffle groove. This lick is taken from a live video of Troy laying it down with Roy Ayres on the classic tune, 'Searching'.

What is he playing?
The lick is made entirely of 8th note triplets (1+a, 2+a, 3+a, 4+a) but Troy is accenting every 4 notes starting from the '+ of 1' on the ride bell. This gives the lick a 4 over 3 feel and creates a contrast to the main groove. 

Things to watch out for!
The sticking pattern is quite complex and involves playing fast groups of 3 with your right hand on the ride cymbal, so practise this first if you are not quite there yet! Start slow and build up your speed gradually. I'd recommend spending some time practising your 'jazz time' on the ride as well as Flam Taps (Flam right, Flam left) on your practise pad or snare, as these will help you with those tricky groups of 3!

Most Importantly!
Although this is an advanced drum lesson, anyone who has mastered the half-time shuffle can take some of these ideas to experiment with and see what you can come up with!

Below I have included a free transcription of the lick with 2 bars of a shuffle groove before hand!

Stay tuned for more learning licks!

Transcription: Learning Licks- Troy Miller