The Shuffle

The Shuffle is a really fun and challenging beat to work on.  Are you up for it?

The Shuffle is based on triplets, so getting comfortable with triplets first is the way to go.  When counting triplets we say: “One And Ah, Two And Ah, Three And Ah, Four And Ah.”

An excellent resource for working on triplets begins on page 53 in Syncopation For The Modern Drummer.  Use the counting mentioned above and move any accents to a second drum. I highly recommend you get this book if you don’t already have it. 

As with any new rhythm, counting out loud is highly recommended when working on the Shuffle as it helps us to know where we are within the rhythm and where any mistakes are occurring.  You may find counting out loud while playing to be difficult at first.  If so, go to Syncopation page 53 (as mentioned above) and work through the accented triplets while counting out loud.  Go as slow as you need to feel in control and relaxed.

The first type of Shuffle shown utilizes “Up/Down” technique in both hands which presents a challenge.  Take your time and be sure you maintain the steady “Up/Down” on the Hi Hat while working on bass drum placement.

I’ve also included some alternate approaches where the cymbal treatment differs.  Some of these approaches will be easier than the original shuffle.  I demonstrate an approach where we use two hands on the hi-hat.  Playing the shuffle in this way is easier because we are not using the “up/down” technique.  I also play a version of this two handed approach where the left hand stays on the snare drum.  This is a more challenging way of playing it because we want two different dynamic levels on the snare drum.

Have fun drumming and go for it!