Linear drumming is playing in such a way that only 1 limb is hitting at a time; no 2 sounds occur together. For example, you’ll never hit bass and hi hat together, or snare and bass, or bass and toms, and so on. Sounds simple? It’s extremely simple, but when you learn how to really use it, you can develop new ideas for the rest of your life.
I was lucky to learn from Gary Chaffee, who is credited with inventing the linear drumming style. Linear phrases certainly existed before him but they were just that, random phrases that drummers would use as fills. He is the first person to develop an actual system for exploring the style and tailoring it to suit your playing needs, no matter what style of music you play, with any note value and in any time signature.
Linear drumming will become be a big part of this site. I (along with some VERY special guests) will be teaching specific beats and fills, but more importantly, Ill show you how to make it your own!
