Gavin Harrison on Odd Meter Drumming & Bass Drum Techniques at PASIC 2008

Gavin Harrison at PASIC 2008: Double Bass "Patterns" in Odd Meter Feels & Q&A

This video features drummer Gavin Harrison at PASIC 2008, discussing his approach to playing double bass drums, particularly within odd time signatures, and answering audience questions.

Key Concepts in Odd Meter Drumming:

• Perspective on Double Bass: Harrison doesn't primarily identify as a double bass drum player but rather uses it to enhance grooves and fills.
• Accent-Based Playing: He emphasizes thinking in terms of accents rather than counting beats, especially in odd meters.
• Pattern Example (5/4):
  • Thinks of five as 1 2 3 4 5.
  • Accents beats 1 and 3.
  • The unaccented notes (2, 4, 5) are where double bass can be applied.
• Applying Doubles:
  • A single unaccented note (like on beat 2) can be played as a double stroke.
  • Multiple unaccented notes (like at the end of a 5 or 3 pattern) can be turned into multiple double strokes.
  • This is often an automatic process, similar to ghost notes on a snare drum.
• Mixing Meters: It's easy to mix groups of five, seven, and three while maintaining awareness of the underlying 4/4 time by focusing on the accents.
• Melody and Space: The spaces between accented