Left Foot Clave Coordination Exercises

Here is a video lesson on developing left foot clave rhythms using my book Advanced Coordination for Drum Set and Hand Percussion. It is directed towards intermediate to advance players.
Thirty five years ago when I was playing lots of Salsa/Latin Jazz gigs in NYC this technique was considered cutting edge but in this modern day it has become mainstream. This is why all professional drum set artists need to know how to execute foot clave rhythms for time playing and soloing. First I show you the equipment I use for this type of gig and then I talk about the different clave rhythms. Then I show you the steps I use in teaching this technique. While not easy, these exercises will enable you to play these rhythms if you work on them in a particular order as I show you here. For this video I am mostly using son clave since this is the clave you will use for most dance (salsa ) gigs. For Latin jazz playing you can and should use the rhumba clave and I demonstrate that as well.
The drums I am using for this video are inexpensive 1990's Gretsch Catalina Elites.
They feature a 16" Bass Drum, 12 and 14" toms. A small bass drum works well for this type of music since it is not overwhelming and lets the bass players rhythms come through.
The snare drum is a copper Pearl 14" x 4" Marvin Smitty Smith model.
The Cymbals are: Sabian 18" and 16" El Sabor model, a Paiste Traditional 18" thin crash, a Zildjian 12" remix crash, a Masterwork 24" china, a Paiste Traditional 18" flat ride with rivets as well as 12” Zildjian re-mix hi hats mounted to my right and Sabian HH 13" main hi hats.
The mics are 2 Sennheiser MKH 800 overheads and a Shure Beta 52 on the bass drum. The preamps are 70 year old Neve 1176.

[@DrumDroches]

Very cool, Mr.

[@johndiraimo1444]

Great video Rick. The playing is fabulous. Thank you!!

[@Poeme340]

highest level drumming artistry-damn!👍

[@johncrookston9980]

Great lesson. Now I have something to work on developing. Your videos are a great resource. Thank you so much!

[@paulstix1]

Very much appreciate and find inspiration in your playing / videos. Currently working on basic mambo and experimenting with the 3/2 left foot . Thanks again 🙏.

[@electraluxx]

Great lesson!

[@michaelnesi0827]

You have some great gear!

[@larrbrown7277]

Sorry I didn’t see the credits after the solos will email you great video.

[@shawnkelleydrums]

Great!

[@MELONenSURPRISE]

I wonder how is the Wood block connected to a pedal ...with some kind of additional bracket ?

[@rickdior]

Thats a common accessory available from several drum companies. The one I use is made by L.P and is the Gajete mount. you can use a plastic Jam block and that connects to the bracket.

[@vlbuilds3659]

niceee

[@rondeangelis7384]

Nice Rick as usual. To play with any of pancho’s tunes, any suggestions how to determine how to choose which groove to play (eg., mambo, cha cha cha etc) 👌

[@rickdior]

Hi There are at least 2 mambos on every record and thats where I would start.

[@ryancox5097]

Rick, can I make a special request? Could you do a video on how to find the clave in a song with no drums or auxiliary percussion parts? I've scoured the internet and haven't found much on clave in the non-percussion parts of an ensemble.

[@rickdior]

Hi Ryan Not sure how I would do that but I will think about it. In an arrangement the piano and horn parts are arranged around the clave rhythm. They follow the pulse of the syncopations whether it be Son or Rumba, 3:2 or 2:3.

[@larrbrown7277]

I would love to purchase your book but I can’t find it, where can I get it ?

[@rondeangelis7384]

Larr go to Ricks website: www.acousticbarn.com/rickspercussionsite/books.html Rick has his email there and request the purchase . Great book and must have. 👍