The D beat and beyond: punk drumming from core groove to odd time.
A one-bar punk pattern synonymous with Discharge, the D beat sits on a fixed bass-and-snare core while the cymbals supply the variable top end. Crash for urgency, ride for control. Simple but flexible.
Develop melodic ride and right-hand ideas that sit over a locked D-beat. Work repeating patterns, alternate placements and a linear feel, then shift them onto the toms for a tribal, melodic texture.
Adapt other rhythms over the D beat: a mambo bell mapped to the ride, Latin clave in both 3-2 and 2-3 forms, and a Tony Williams-inspired jazz ride for solo phrasing. One pattern, three new flavours.
Odd time meets the D beat: 6/4 and 5/4 patterns, including a 6/4 idea inspired by Dave Grohl's part on Killing Joke's "Implant." A fresh variation and a real rhythmic challenge for punk drummers.
Spike T Smith is a British professional freelance session drummer, as well as a drum educator & mentor. He’s spent many years working internationally with some of the world’s finest artists and musicians, including Morrissey, punk legends The Damned, Killing Joke, New York Dolls, Steve Ignorant/Crass, Sham 69 & H.R of Bad Brains amongst others. Originally from Wales, Spike has played drums and performed since he was 13 years old. He’s been described by Rhythm magazine “As the British version of American session heavy-weight, Josh Freese”.
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