How To Play A Blues Shuffle: Practicing Along To Drum Backing Tracks
In this lesson, we discuss how to play along to backing tracks while mixing and matching shuffle feels. Take a second to listen to what you’re playing to, where the elements of the drum kit are hitting, and how you can best groove along. Then, give yourself a key and a form (such as a 12 bar blues in A) and practice different patterns. Once you’ve got each pattern down, try mixing and matching.
Once this becomes easy to do, the next step is to play along with records and really focus on the feel of the whole band.
Enjoy, and keep it groovy!
Ryan Madora is a professional bass player, author, and educator living in Nashville, TN. In addition to touring and session work, she teaches private lessons and masterclasses to students of all levels. Visit her website to learn more!
