So you’ve got the basics of jazz drumming down—you can swing, keep time, and maybe even throw in a few rudiments. But now you’re stuck in that awkward middle ground where you’re not quite a beginner, but you’re not yet a pro. Sound familiar? Don’t worry—every jazz drummer goes through this phase. The key is focused, intentional practice.
In this post, we’ll break down intermediate-level jazz drumming drills to help you bridge the gap between competence and mastery. These exercises target timing, coordination, improvisation, and dynamics—the core skills that separate good drummers from great ones.
1. The "Swing Grid" Exercise (For Timing & Phrasing)
Jazz lives and dies by the swing feel, and subtle shifts in phrasing can make or break a performance. This drill helps you internalize different subdivisions while keeping the groove relaxed.
How to practice:
- Play a basic swing pattern (ride cymbal on "spang-a-lang," hi-hat on 2 & 4, walking bass drum).
- Every 4 bars, switch between playing eighth notes as:
- Straight 8ths (for a more "modern" feel)
- Triplet-based swing (classic jazz)
- Dotted 8th + 16th (for a "lazy" feel)
- Focus on keeping the tempo rock solid through transitions.
Pro tip: Record yourself and listen back—does your swing feel consistent, or does it waver?
2. Independence Drill: "3-Limb Charleston"
Jazz drumming demands next-level limb independence. This exercise forces your limbs to work separately while maintaining a clave-like rhythm.
Pattern:
- Right hand: Charleston rhythm (1... +. 3. +. ..)
- Left foot (hi-hat): Quarter notes
- Right foot (bass drum): Syncopated hits on "& of 2" and "4"
Start painfully slow (40-60 BPM) and gradually increase speed. The goal isn’t speed—it’s clean execution.
3. Dynamic Ghost Notes (For Texture)
Ghost notes are the secret sauce of jazz drumming. This drill trains control over volume and articulation.
Steps:
- Play a simple swing pattern with your right hand.
- Add ghost notes on the snare with your left hand between ride cymbal notes.
- Practice four dynamic levels for ghost notes:
- Whisper-quiet (barely audible)
- Medium-soft (felt more than heard)
- Mid-volume (part of the groove)
- "Accent" ghost notes (purposefully loud)
This builds the nuance needed to respond to soloists dynamically.
4. Trading Fours (For Improv)
Trading fours is a jazz rite of passage. This soloing drill develops melodic thinking.
Setup:
- Play 4 bars of time, then 4 bars of solo.
- Restrict yourself to one element per chorus:
- Chorus 1: Snare drum only
- Chorus 2: Bass drum + hi-hat
- Chorus 3: Ride cymbal melody
- Chorus 4: Free improvisation
This forces creativity within limits—just like real jazz.
5. The "Elvin Jones" Triplet Storm
Elvin’s triplet-based approach revolutionized jazz drumming. This drill builds that fluidity.
Exercise:
- Play continuous triplets around the kit (R-L-K or R-K-L patterns).
- Every 2 bars, displace the starting point:
- Bar 1: Start on beat 1
- Bar 2: Start on "& of 1"
- Bar 3: Start on beat 2
- ...and so on.
- Keep the swing feel intact—don’t let triplets sound mechanical.
Remember: Jazz isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. These drills aren’t just technical; they’re tools to help you speak through your drums. Practice them daily, but always leave room to play, experiment, and most importantly… listen.
Now go hit the shed—and swing hard!
