Drum Shorts: The Meters – Cissy Strut (Drum Grooves Transcription)

Introduction

“Cissy Strut” is an influential funk instrumental tune by The Meters, released in 1969 as part of their self-titled debut album. This track showcases the band’s unique blend of New Orleans musical influences, characterized by tight rhythmic guitar riffs and syncopated grooves, that helped define the funk genre. It features the outstanding drumming of Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste (also known as Ziggy Modeliste), whose innovative style and intricate rhythms are central to the track’s infectious groove. “Cissy Strut” not only achieved commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the R&B chart, but it also garnered critical acclaim, being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011 and recognized as one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone.

zigaboo modeliste the meters cissy strut drum beat transcription

Zigaboo’s drumming style significantly influenced the “Cissy Strut” feel, establishing it as a landmark track in funk music. His approach features syncopated and linear drumming, employing distinctive bass drum/snare patterns that drive the song forward. He also integrates elements of New Orleans second-line rhythms, which he mastered through his early influences from local drummers like Smokey Johnson. His use of the hi-hat, along with intricate bass drum/snare patterns, creates a groove that supports the band and stands out as a lead element, effectively making the drums a focal point of the composition. This innovative style not only defines the sound of The Meters but also sets a new standard for funk drumming, influencing countless musicians.

Drum Grooves

The drum groove of “Cissy Strut” blends funk and New Orleans drumming with a unique, irreplicable feel in between straight and swing 16th notes. The hi-hat is played with both hands using an alternating sticking pattern. Unlike most drum grooves, it doesn’t follow a classic pattern but instead complements the bass drum and snare in a semi-linear way. The accent on the last 16th note of the second beat gives the groove a syncopated feel.

The bass drum/snare pattern is captivating and funky, perfectly blending with the bass, guitar, and keyboard parts. On the last beat, we have two snare accents, an idea that will be reprised and reversed in the chorus section. The transcription below refers to the main drum groove. In the second verse, Zigaboo adds a hi-hat note on the third 16th note of the second beat, just before the accented hi-hat note. Consider it a variation.

zigaboo modeliste the meters cissy strut main drum groove transcription

In the chorus or bridge, Zigaboo plays a New Orleans second-line-oriented drum beat. The drum groove stands out because of the two accents on the fourth beat, offering a unique musical perspective. That’s a distinctive feature of New Orleans drumming, where accents often fall on beat four instead of beat one. It’s essential to keep this in mind when learning and playing this groove.

The second line bass drum/snare pattern is syncopated and musically arranged to follow the guitar and keyboard parts. The hi-hat is played with the left foot on the upbeat, with the two accents on beat four on the cymbal open. The first hi-hat note in the bracket is played from the first repetition onward to close the hi-hat after the open part. Also, the first bass drum note is often not played. Throughout the section, Zigaboo plays many variations; the transcription below shows a recurring drum beat that he enhances with variations and embellishments. Let the funk roll!

zigaboo modeliste the meters cissy strut chorus drum groove transcription

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