How to play the Rosanna Half Time Shuffle [5 Steps Program] (Walkthrough)

00:00 - Video Intro
00:10 - What are Shuffles and 8th note Triplets
03:19 - Shuffles on the Hi-hat (Walkthrough)
05:23 - Playing the ghost notes
06:15 - Shuffles on the Hi-Hat w/ ghost notes (Walkthrough)
08:13 - What is the Bo Diddley beat
08:54 - Shuffles on the Hi-Hat w/ the Bo Diddley Beat on the foot
10:57 - Shuffles on the Hi Hat w/ ghost notes and the Bo Diddley beat on the foot
13:09 - Playing the accented snare on 3rd count
14:08 - Putting everything together!!!
16:18 - Outro
I have been receiving a questions regarding the #Rosanna Half Time Shuffle by the band #toto So I made this video to answer them. I hope this video would in one way or another help you on your journey in playing one of the greatest drum grooves ever created by the late #JeffPorcaro.
Mapex Drums, TRX Cymbals, Audio-Technica, FATfreq, Vater Drumsticks, Skygel, Cympad.

[@mikerowland7880]

So many have already said it, but it really does bear repeating. This is by far the BEST breakdown of this beat quite possibly in the history of...ever. Thank you!

[@BrandonKhoo]

Thank you Mike!! I really appreciate those words.

[@donnewberry5840]

While this is far and away the best break down of the Rosanna Shuffle, it might be the best break down of any beat that I’ve seen. Unlike the usual “sink or swim” videos, this one lays down a solid foundation of theory and technique on which to build. This layered approach with increasing tempos is matched only by the production of the video. The inset, beat tracking, tempo log, and (especially) the “unison, tap, hi-hat” section are all on point and USEFUL. You’ve earned a new subscriber who can’t wait to practice. Thank you.

[@BrandonKhoo]

Thank you so much for these words Don. They mean a lot. Thank you once again. :-)

[@sirfrancisdrake2398]

@@BrandonKhoo yes, excellent teaching!

[@BrandonKhoo]

@@sirfrancisdrake2398 Thank you so much. I hope it helped you. =-)

[@MrJohnyfish]

Totally agree. Great style of teaching

[@drummer61ful]

The Best I’ve Ever Seen!

[@2002drumsonly]

The Purdy Shuffle can be a tricky beat to learn. You broke it down in a brilliant easy to understand way. Well done. Exceptional teaching skills.

[@robertcook792]

First off I’m not a musician but I love music. The drums are the most complicated instrument to the eye. The most important instrument of a band. If you don’t have time you don’t have music. I feel like by watching you play and give this lesson I could pick up on it. Great video!

[@SJSer]

Been trying to understand this beat for a year and either it's not explained well or the teacher assumes too much or glosses over something important (like timing of the ghost notes vs the beat). Brandon fixed me in 17 min. Thank You Sir you are a Master!

[@plpl5114]

This is by far the BEST breakdown of Rossana but no matter what teacher my dumb body just doesn’t let me play it 😂😢

[@BrandonKhoo]

Hi PIPI... thank you so much for that awesome compliment. It means so much! Please omit out that second half of your comment from your mind. By saying that your body won't allow you, you just disabled half of your ability to play that groove. I believe a lot in mind over matter. The mind is a powerful thing. If you keep telling yourself that you cannot achieve something, you would be limited your ability by half. I sincerely hope that by following these steps that you would be able to play the groove in no time. Keep me updated! =-)

[@plpl5114]

@@BrandonKhoo Thank you Brandon ! Have a lovely day!😊

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Friend, this may be the BEST drum video I've ever seen anyone do. I FINALLY understand it, and I have to preface that by saying that I didn't completely "get it" with Jeff Porcaro himself trying to explain it to a much younger me back in the 80s.

[@Crunkboy415]

I'm a guitar player so I can't play drums to save my life, but I really like the way he thoroughly breaks down the mechanics of the beat. Each step is concisely explained so I can create it in a drum app.😁

[@derrickcripe507]

good luck getting a shuffle in a drum app :)

[@pfrigon1]

One of the best videos I’ve seen. This is the only video I have seen that really introduces the mechanic of the hi hat which is essential for this groove.

[@kellyklinkner4812]

This is the best breakdown of any complicated drumbeat that I have ever heard. I’ve been played drums for 40 years.

[@BrandonKhoo]

Thank you Kelly! I hope it helps you.

[@frogpapi4636]

The best breakdown I’ve ever seen

[@BrandonKhoo]

thank you Frog Papi! Hope it helps! =-) If you are learning it. Please do a video and show me your progress. Tag me in your video. I would love to really see how it helps. =-)

[@jazersanting1811]

I have been trying to wrap my head around this shuffle for years, and you broke it down perfectly. Now I'm seeing great progress in practicing this shuffle thanks to you!

[@brussalis]

Best breakdown of the Rosanna beat Ive ever heard. Ive been playing some 30 years and made many attempts at this groove but never actually nailed it accurately. Probably because I never properly understood it, therefore never analysed it well enough and certainly never broke it down in such a simplistic way as you have done. Superb video, with crystal clear breakdown thats brought on that "lightbulb" moment. Thank you so much .... now wheres my kit? I need to go and nail this once and for all ... 🙂

[@BrandonKhoo]

It is really heartening to know that this tutorial helped you understand the groove after so many years. I really appreciate you letting me know this. Thank you so much!

[@LJenkinsEsqIII]

I needed this. Thank you Mr Khoo.

[@johnmorgan6162]

As a classically trained percussionist/drummer who now plays current music, I can say this is the fastest way to understand complicated drum scores. You can spend days, months, years trying to learn a rhythm thru repetition(a waste of time) but if you use the theory you can get it down in a matter of hours. I was playing this rhythm in 30 minutes. Great video.

[@dominicobeng623]

Thanks for explaining the mechanics of triplets. Pretty much every video I've seen skips this essential rudiment of the shuffle beat.

[@ironcobra98]

I have seen many videos explaining this groove, but Brandon has really broken down this groove so well and also has put in a lot of effort in putting this video together. I like his warm and friendly personality and I would definitely look forward to watching and learning from his videos. Thanks, Brandon for this great video.

[@BrandonKhoo]

Hi Dominic, Thank you so much for your kind words and for appreciating the video. I'll be uploading another tutorial soon. I hope you will enjoy that one as much as you enjoy this one.

[@kannank.]

This is probably the best explanation and breakdown of not only the shuffle but what is a triplet and the nuances of it

[@BrandonKhoo]

Thank you Kannan! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ryanlee7895]

I love how you broke that lesson down into bite-size pieces

[@JamminWithJer]

Brandon you should have hundreds of thousands of not millions of subscribers! You are an exceptional teacher!!

[@tomcoryell]

Brandon, you are a badass! Killer teaching, playing, video production. All the best!

[@BrandonKhoo]

Thank you Tom!! I do appreciate all the kind words immensely! Thank you!!

[@BobLoblaw1985]

I don't even play drums and I watched this whole video. Unintentionally funny, but the 'tap' at 13:45 had me in stitches, so deadpan haha

[@Mudge07]

Why do I like this lesson so much? You can hear all the kit elements clearly and the instruction when and how to play each in correct timing. In particular you can see the notation as well as the foot action. I’ve watched many presentations on this excellent groove and none of them cover all these points; even Jeff’s inspiring, original lesson doesn’t benefit from those latter points. If you don’t need them, fine, but for a comprehensive build up it’s well worth the minutes, or hours, it may take you to master it.

[@randocommando5912]

Amazing!! 2 days of practice got me playing the song at full speed...sloppy still, but I can't thank you enough for breaking down this barrier for me!!

[@BrandonKhoo]

my pleasure!! I'm so glad that it helped you!

[@321CatDaddy]

Where to put the dang ghost notes is what threw me back when Rosanna came out. Bonzo and Purdy were bad enough, but then along comes Jeff with his Bo Diddly kick drum pattern! You sir have explained it brilliantly and I wish there had been a teacher like you when I was starting out. Take a bow! Marty

[@BrandonKhoo]

Hi Marty. Thank you for this! I do appreciate it. It's never too late to learn something new. The amazing thing about grooves like this is you hear something new every time you hear it. I too am learning in many aspects. Thank you once again Marty.

[@mathewmanohar1350]

Thanks. Iam playing this for my 8th grade , nobody broke this down like you.

[@BrandonKhoo]

Thank you so much! I'm glad it helped. Would love to see that performance if you have the footage.

[@GEForman]

The moving bar in the notation window really helps. Also, the overhead shot that shows your right foot helps me with the syncopated beat and how it repeats. Thanks for your sophisticated use of animated notations synchronized with video.

[@rixpix2957]

Thank you. Finally!!! Best explanation of this beat I've ever seen. I get it now. Excellent work here sir!

[@nelsonerniramirez8877]

Hi Brandon ! This is Nelson , bassist of Soulkoul . This is so far the clearest and easiest way to learn and practice triplets and the shuffle . Excellent teaching method bro . Keep it up Stay Safe God Bless

[@JohnFischer-wt6wv]

I didn't think it possible for a KZbin instructional video to be this good, but here we are. I could play this groove, but never thought I had the Purdy kick part lined up exactly right ( We all know where this is lol). Now I do. Bravo 👏 👏 👏

[@BrandonKhoo]

thank you so much for the feedback. I do appreciate it.

[@castlehilldude]

This is the most comprehensive breakdown of this iconic drumbeat that I have seen. Consistent use of this resource would will strengthen your kick, timing and your shuffle - even if you never play the Rosanna song live. The best part of the video, is the advice on the end. Well done and thank you sir!

[@BrandonKhoo]

Thank you so much for those words! I really appreciate all the support and comments. 🙏🏻👍🏻

[@thaddeusodonnell3986]

Man I started trying to learn this about 6 months ago...watched about 20 different instructional vids on YT and they all eiher failed to present a practical approach to playing this or just had it wrong themselves. There were 2 that werent bad and almost got me playing it. But in this video by showing the progression of the beat building in bpm you make it very consumable and now I know that the only thing keeping me from playing it consistently is practice because my hands just aren't used to churning out moeler+ghost note triplets at 160 bpm without tensing up. You broke it down so anyone can see exactly where they are not getting it. Identifying the problem is so crucial in drumming as when you don't know what your doing wrong..you can't fix it. Thanks so much, I can now play this very well at 140 and am getting close to being able to do it at 160 consistently..for now gotta practice a little bit before I get it going at speed. Great vid!

[@BrandonKhoo]

This is so awesome Thaddeus, it makes the effort in planning and making this video all so worth it. Thank you so much! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@thaddeusodonnell3986]

@@BrandonKhoo All the thanks to you sir! You were the only one to mention the diddle after the back beat and that was my missing piece. You are a great teacher!

[@seanmurphy2544]

Hello Brandon, I've been drumming for over 40 years. Back in the earlier days I did a show with Bobby Kimball from Toto. I wood shed for a week on that drum pattern till it was fluent, it sure would have been nice to have your video back then to eliminate a lot of the head scratching! Great job!

[@jasonjohnson579]

This is by far the best drum tutorial/lesson I have ever seen online. What a gift! Thank you. I can not tell you how many videos I have watched in regards to the Picarro/Rosanna shuffle, but this is the crown jewel.

[@patduke8457]

Brandon, thank you! That is the best breakdown of a groove I’ve ever seen! You’re a great TEACHER!

[@BrandonKhoo]

Thank you so much Pat.

[@rbuono1]

Thanks so much for this. I'm finally playing it after a couple of failed attempts thanks to your super clear breakdown. This one will force you to get those dynamics right on top of the coordination and feeling. Fun

[@BrandonKhoo]

I'm so happy for you! Thank you for this. It's a joy for me to make videos like this. You rock!

[@sparklyfiend81]

Thank you so much for breaking it all the way down and explaining and demonstrating it in a way that no one else I've watched has.

[@BrandonKhoo]

Thank you so much Sparkly. I appreciate all these reviews.

[@wendelllima768]

The way this guy pronunce the words in english makes me understand Everthing what he says. What brilliant is this. I love the way american talk

[@philatkinson3955]

Thank you thank you...practice, I can finalky play this jam. At 57, plenty of time now my studio has become my home away from home...lol. You my friend are a master teacher!!❤🎉🎉

[@BrandonKhoo]

I love this! thank you for making my day.

[@miklmiklmtrcycl6009]

Someone finally broke the code for me. I find it interesting that even Jeff could not make me understand. Skill has nothing to do with teaching ability. Thank you 🥂

[@BrandonKhoo]

Wow. Thank you for this compliment Miklmikl. I have to say every experience as a player and an educator led to this ability. I realised that teaching in itself is an art and I have to credit my experience with Drumeo for this. Jared and Dave from Drumeo gave me a huge insight into the methods of education as a whole. Please do check out their videos on their KZbin channel. Once again, Thank you so much for this.It really made the experience of making this video worth it.

[@alexismontel2084]

Love Time half shuffle , love the way you explain it Brandon , congrats from France 🇫🇷 👍

[@BrandonKhoo]

Merci Beaucoup! I hope it helps you understand this groove.

[@janpr9712]

Different people study in different ways. I’d like to say that this method resonates with me. Thank you very much. This five step process provides an easy way to pause and practice until I’m comfortable to move on. Great insight. Best way to learn the Rosanna shuffle (for me) 😊

[@MarcoPassanezi]

ABSOLUTELY P.E.R.F.E.C.T. LESSON!!! Congrats and a hug from Brazil!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@BrandonKhoo]

Obrigado!!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🔥🔥🔥

[@user-sn6vc7zp9w]

I can't believe I've been trying to play the drums for over 40 years and never 'heard' this shuffle, I know the Texas, and Chicago shuffles etc. When I attempted this my brain blew a gasket, i didn't think I was going to get it. But I have! Brandon is like a coach! I practice it everyday, and now I can keep up, but still have a hard time getting started by my self, but it's getting better. Thanks Brandon you're a hero!!

[@BrandonKhoo]

Thank you so much for this comment. It made my day. I hope my future tutorial videos will help you as much as this one did. I appreciate the support.

[@robertogambaro3401]

By far the best tutorial on this shuffle, gradual in complexity and speed. Way to go!

[@streetmachine79]

This is the best explanation and breakdown I have ever seen for the Rosanna Shuffle! Directly to the point and extremely helpful. Awesome!

[@markuswennemann9956]

This is, for shure, the best explanation and break down of the Rosanna shuffle !! that i ever have seen ! And i have seen a lot of them !! Thanks for this !!!!!

[@BrandonKhoo]

Thank you for those kind words Markus. I appreciate it! I hope it helped.

[@franka1621]

Sir, why you don’t have a million subscribers + is an absolute mystery to me… You are a master.

[@prophet74]

I have the shuffle down but as soon as I throw in my foot, it all falls apart. I'll keep practicing. Greatest explanation I've seen of this shuffle.

[@BrandonKhoo]

Hi Prophet74, stay on it, easy does it. Your muscle memory will kick in at some point. The more you repeat the motion, the easier it gets each time.

[@amosanon8788]

I found that it took me three months of constant practice before one day, it sort of "clicked", and all of a sudden I could do it. At work I was constantly practicing with my hands on my thighs, to the point where my coworkers were giving me funny looks, lol.

[@DG-sf9ei]

I ran until the same thing, believe it's from playing mostly rock 8ths on the cymbals all the time. It takes some reprogramming for sure, it'll eventually sync together.

[@JustinTubing]

This is the best break down of the iconic riff! The explanation and the slow down really makes it clear on how intricate Jeff played it. So groovy and so technical at the same time. I'm not a drummer but thoroughly enjoyed the entire tutorial!

[@BrandonKhoo]

thank you Justin. I do appreciate you taking the time to watch this tutorial. thank you.

[@trecool9336]

one of the traits of genius master drummer is what you have...breaking down complicated and fancy drumming..great video..going to practice this cool song

[@Funkdrummer53]

A great job breaking down an iconic groove. Thank you.

[@BrandonKhoo]

Thank you Jim!! I'm glad it helped! =-)

[@paulregensburg2003]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@bachtiarzulkarnaen]

The best break down half time shuffle i've seen. 👌👌👌👍👍👍

[@BrandonKhoo]

Thank you Bachitar! I hope you took home something from it.

[@pedro.claudino]

I swear, you unlocked this for me. I was stuck learning this for several days. You just made it go in about 17 minutes. Awesome. Thanks.

[@frankfossaceca9616]

OMG What A Fantastic Lesson Man !!! Im A Drummer and I Know exactly What He's Doing !!! That Is The Correct Way To Play That Shuffle !!! It Was Perfect !!!!!

[@learntoshootguns]

Awesome!

[@maxwellgreig583]

Superb !

[@PeterKeyJeffery]

Absolutely brilliant, crystal clear lesson: sound, visual and progressive…even has feel. Great drums. Thank you Peter😊

[@thomasvanfleteren2778]

That last minute was inspirational 🙃

[@peterkim860]

By far this is the best presentation of the Rosanna Shuffle.

[@peterknispel4020]

What a great lesson on this Iconic Half Time Shuffle on this great song by the late great Jeff Porcaro. Great breakdown for all of us. Thanks for sharing Brandon.

[@BrandonKhoo]

You’re welcome P. I’m glad you found this helpful. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@nealfrankleplayingdrums9730]

Great and helpful. Thank you sir!

[@jamesbarron601]

OUTSTANDING!!!

[@peterm3352]

Thanks for the breakdown!

[@millerfisherman1989]

Wow you are a talented teacher, I’ve watched so many videos on this, You to teach this so well! Thanks so much, subscribed!

[@buhlir]

Incredible breakdown!

[@rruuserious]

By far the best instructional video I have seen. You are a great teacher!

[@robmiller817]

Jeff Porcaro played the kick with the snare, at the same time every other bar. You are close. The bo diddley shuffle he called it. You are a good teacher. Keep it up

[@BrandonKhoo]

Thank you for your feedback Rob. You are correct . I believe I did include that bass with the snare on the 3rd count on every other bar as well. :-) Thank you for watching. 🤗

[@robmiller817]

@@BrandonKhoo fuck, you did. My bad. My apologies.

[@BrandonKhoo]

@@robmiller817 please don’t apologise, it’s ok. We’re all human. It’s all good. I felt so bad, for thinking that I accidentally left out the kick with the snare after you mentioned it. I felt relieved after realising that I actually did play the kick with the snare. Good scare. 😂 in any case, Thank you for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@Oddzilla51]

Awesome breakdown! Thank you!

[@nashvillan76]

The best drum tutorial I have seen on the web. Fantastic! Thank you for posting.

[@BrandonKhoo]

I really do appreciate the kind words.

[@ghettostreamlabs5724]

Very solid breakdown!

[@ferbocangel]

Amazing video man. So didactic!

[@dwaynerobertson383]

WOW. Yeah, I'll subscribe!! WOW!! What an incredible breakdown! Left nothing unturned, and such an excellent presentation. No questions required with such an inclusive presentation, just practice time as he stated. Thank you so much!!!

[@chrisl2466]

Excellent video. I'm glad I found it.

[@danw1502]

Great job!!

[@eppyify]

Just plain fantastic teaching method, there might be hope for me after all

[@pixelpusher8986]

Very cool indeed. Taaaank youuuuu! this will definitely help me

[@CiaoGibson]

A big thank you. Finally a great breakdown! 👌❤️

[@gunthermay1467]

Very, very good explaining!!! 👍

[@Bad095]

Thank you ! Your tutorial is great !

[@pmumola]

Incredible breakdown and tutorial. Thank you!

[@arturofernandez6088]

Great lesson!🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@sebastianretana]

Excelent!!!! You are awesome man

[@jcbk9iq]

BEST explanation EVER!! Thank you!

[@douglasvandette3144]

WELL DONE!!!

[@FLAMANGO12123]

Outstanding ! thanks

[@BrandonKhoo]

Thank you Bruno!

[@EZQ999]

This is the lesson I’ve been looking for! So well explained and broken down. Thank you.

[@bwalechime1554]

Tight! Love your teaching method!

[@dudleycarsten398]

Thank you Brandon, you're a legend!

[@stefanodevesa8484]

Hi Brandon, thank you so much! Very very nice video for Rosanna grooves!

[@erichfranz08]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! And God Bless you!!!

[@s.bouche7888]

My first time on your page. Nice explanation ! Very clear. Thank you Brandon !

[@johnsantapietro1521]

WOW!! An awesome lesson! So carefully planned and explained. It also shows the genius of JP in coming up with this intricate but infectious pattern.

[@Andydrum100]

Thanks Brandon - awesome lesson!!!!👍👍👍

[@michaeloconnor3138]

Outstanding teacher. More please.

[@jorgetadeonegrondejesus7207]

awesome instruction! Thank U!

[@markozupanc6865]

To me also ... this is by far the best break down of Rosanna Shuffle ... especially he wrist explanation ... makes it so much easier for hi-hat part ... Thank you!!!

[@BrandonKhoo]

You are most welcome Marko. Thank you so much for your support. I appreciate it.

[@timothybissell2217]

I studied with the great Bernard Purdie, and it was humbling. The Purdie Shuffle, or half time shuffle or Rosanna shuffle are super similar. That said...there are no other grooves to compasre with the locomotion and feel of this groove, and this guy nails it.

[@sobrevoandobra]

Thank you! The best break down I see! Now, maybe I can do it 😎 👏👏👏