I listen to a lot ragtime pieces played by brass bands. What generally characterizes the drumming? Which elements of the drumset are used more and which aren't used as much?
asked Oct 7 '12 at 1:50
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2Just a note: Historically ragtime was played straight, and not with swung eigths or sixteenths. – Ulf Åkerstedt Oct 21 '12 at 11:39
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1Ooops! You beat me to it. Sly devil! – luser droog Dec 20 '12 at 9:59
Ragtime and Jazz percussion are similar - they do have their differences though. To focus on developing your ragtime skills, master press roll/rim/woodblock rhythm patterns (less of a swing feel than jazz) and use small splash cymbal patterns for keeping time. Press Roll: 4 beats with the right hand, on beats 2 and 4 do a press roll with the left hand. A two hand press roll or shimmy beat can add variety. Bass drum chugs along at beats 1 and 3, cymbals should be simple and not overbearing.
Here's a great example of ragtime drumming technique a friend sent to me
Hope this helps!
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1While cool, this is Dixieland. Ragtime doesn't swing, it keeps a strict time. – luser droog Dec 20 '12 at 9:58
