After mastering the shaken eighths, move on to
sixteenths in SCORE #4. Listen carefully to make
sure all parts are aligned correctly.
The previous article in this series showed how I
converted an alt-rock groove for drum set into
a cajon version. SCORE #5 is the same groove
(found on Carl Albrecht’s DVD Drum Grooves
For Worship) adapted into a cajon-plus version.
Notice how the kick drum rhythm is covered
exactly by the cajon's bass tone and the snare
back beats are duplicated by a corner-slapped
accent. The shaker notes fill in the sixteenth
subdivisions while implying the ride cymbal and
ghosted snare parts.
The
following
examples
demonstrate
possibilities for adapting drum set grooves into
‘cajon-plus’ patterns.
If you are playing modern worship music,
eventually a half-time groove will be required.
This rhythm in SCORE #6 is spread over two
measures.
Get inspiration for creating both 12/8 and 6/8
cajon grooves with the rhythm in SCORE #7.
One of my first drum set teachers passed this
funk groove on to me. I’m sharing Greg Stover’s
funky rhythm along with my cajon adaptation in
SCORE #8.
After studying and practicing these examples,
try creating cajon-plus versions based on your
favorite drum set patterns. Improvise on your
creations and compose variations. You won’t
have to lug around too much extra gear in order
to spice up the groove.
Mark Shelton
Freelance musician & consultant based in Dallas,
TX Performance credits include North Carolina
Symphony, Tin Roof Tango, Dallas Wind Symphony,
Daystar Singers & Band, TALEA, Strata Big Band,
The Metroplex Marimba Band, Harbour, and
Gateway Worship.
www.marksheltonmusic.com