Dave Weckl Linear Triplets

Here is a fun way to play linear triplets by the great Dave Weckl. I think the most challenging part of this fill idea is the way Weckl plays the triplets. When we split triplets between the hands and feet, most of us learn to play them with this sticking - R, L, K. or L, R, K. Two notes with the hands followed by a single on the bass drum. In this example, Weckl plays the bass drum on the second note of the triple so the sticking looks like this - L, K, R. This may cause some of us coordination issues, but don’t worry! Take it slow and get comfortable with that sticking first.

I recommend starting with both hands on the snare drum, then move on the different combinations using the snare and toms. For example, L, K, R, on the snare, followed by L, K, R, on the rack tom. Go back and forth between those two drums until you get the hang of it, then try a similar pattern from snare to the floor tom. Once this is comfortable take it to the next level by improvising the sticking all around the drum set - try to use every sound that you have available. This will make make learning the transcription much easier.

Now you are ready to try the transcription! Here are a few things to pay attention to.

1) Practice slow! This is the big secret to learning coordination and independence!

2) Make sure you have the basic coordination down. You should be able to play at a steady pace, making sure the rhythm is correct, no rushing or dragging.

3) Dynamics! Make sure you no matter where you are playing on the drum set that your hands and bass drum are the same volume - we don’t want your bass drum astronomically louder than your snare or toms.

Last but not least! Improvise this pattern around your drum set to come up with your own ideas! Learning this transcription is really fun, and gives you an inside look at Dave Weckl’s playing. However, remember that Dave Weckl didn’t develop his sound by only learning transcriptions note for note - he is a very creative drummer who has his own sound. We don’t want to become Weckl clones, we want to develop our own ideas.

Have fun and be creative!