WHAT'S THE POCKET? - "Tracción a Sangre", Gustavo Cerati.

Back with more content! This is a series of DrumCams with PDF included so you can see up close how to interpret what is written in the sheet music, plus some tips that I'll leave below. If you missed the previous one where I talk about how to interpret what you see on the drums chart, click here (plus it's a really powerful tune). And if you have any questions or comments, leave them below! I'll be happy to respond.

STAY IN THE POCKET

The pocket is the groove. The expression "Stay in the pocket" is used in reference to maintaining a steady groove, without changes from one measure to another, without adding ghost notes, and staying locked in with the rest of the rhythm section (bass, piano, and guitar). Having the ability to stay in the pocket for as long as necessary is another thing that sets apart the drummer who gets a gig from the one who doesn't.

Playing something simple for an extended period of time without modifying it or adding notes can be an interesting challenge. Measures feel endless and boredom, anxiety, or the desire to show off more can arise. Often, it's not even necessary to play more, so forget about those ghost notes with your left hand or sophisticated phrases on the kick drum and enjoy your steady groove yourself.

The drums part in this song, aside from the kick drum which is present almost the entire time, have a brief appearance and it's during the most energetic part of the song. However, the groove is the simplest one, it's the first groove every drummer learns the first time they sit down at the instrument. That's why it's common to want to overplay in a context like this, so give it a try and stay in that simple groove, get used to how it sounds, listen to and respect the space between the notes... Stay in the pocket!

BONUS EXCERCISE - MORE POCKET

When you stay in the pocket throughout an entire section, adding a single note or, even better, removing one of the few you're playing, creates a much more interesting effect than playing a fill. The ear and the body have become accustomed to a groove, and when that extra note appears (or something disappears), it generates enough surprise to grab attention, create anticipation, and set up the next section of the song.

QUICK EXERCISE: Play eighth notes on hi-hat, beats one and three on kick drum, two and four on the snare drum. At 75 bpm. In measure number 8, instead of playing a fill, simply remove the kick drum on beat 3 and return to measure number one with a crash cymbal. If you can, record yourself and listen back. Amazing!

P.S.: I challenge you not to play any fills or crash cymbals on the fourth measure. Hold out until measure 8.

Leave a comment below and tell me how it went!

That's all for now. I hope this information serves you well, and don't hesitate to share it to help more people with free content!. Thank you very much.

I'll leave you with the PDF, download it, practice it, have fun, and see you next time.

Big hug!

DOWNLOAD THE PDF!

Check out the full song played live here