Drumset Ostinatos
Drumset ostinatos are a short rhythmic pattern, or phrase, which repeats itself throughout a song or section of a song.
Repetition of a small pattern is common in music created for dancing. The incessant nature of the repetition has a mesmerizing effect on the listener. Likewise, it provides a foundation for soloing and improvisation.
African music often makes use of this musical device. Examples would be: Soukous, Juju, Highlife, Afro-beat and Bikutsi.
Latin American music also uses ostinatos extensively. Examples would be: Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue, Rumba and many more.
The similarities between Latin and African rhythms are the result of the trans-atlantic slave trade. The history, migration and blending of cultures is important to understanding the origins of these fascinating rhythms.
Drumset ostinatos are also common in western Pop music where you hear a static drum beat playing under the melody and harmony. All of these types of music are primarily for dancing.
In this drum lesson I demonstrate The Mambo or Guaracha. The Mambo is a Latin American rhythm which originates from Cuba via Africa. A good listening example is “Hong Kong Mambo” by Tito Puente.
In this example the Ostinato occurs in the feet. The goal is to play whatever we wish in our hands while the feet maintain the steady pattern.
First, I take you through some preliminary exercises to help break down friction points. Friction points tend to occur when a limb on one side on the body must play in unison with a limb on the opposite side.
Next, I demonstrate the Caracara rhythm in the hands which plays over top the ostinato in the feet. Later, I offer a variation on the original ostinato pattern.
We are trying to recreate the sound of an entire percussion section. In Latin and African music you typically see multiple percussion players on various instruments. It is our goal to capture as much of that as possible.