Afro-Cuban 6/8 Funk Application: Accent Displacement

The applications of the Afro-Cuban 6/8 feel are endless, inspiring you to play new grooves. Today I’ll talk about applying this rhythm in a funk/fusion style: adding the snare drum backbeat, ghost notes, and the dotted 8th-note bass drum pattern. The 6/8 cowbell rhythm will be played on the hi-hat, as shown in the figure below.

afro-cuban 6/8 drumset application

Starting from this basic pattern, we’ll play different accent combinations on the hi-hat: one-accent and two-accent combinations. Every single bar should be repeated at least 16 times. This will prove to be a serious exercise in accuracy and balance.

afro-cuban-6-8-on-drums

The next step is to apply the exercise on the ride cymbal; the accents will be played on the ride bell (as shown in the second example below). To complete the pattern, play 8th notes on the hi-hat with your left foot.

afro cuban 6/8 hi hat variation

All the things discussed must be applied musically, improvising with all the material without reading. Try with different tempos and dynamics; the possibilities are endless. Keep on drumming!

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