The true innovation of the method lies in its transition from the snare drum to the full drum kit.
The Gene Krupa Drum Method is designed to build a solid technical foundation while fostering a jazz-oriented approach to the drum kit. Key areas covered in the book include: A. Rudimental Foundations
Krupa’s innovations were staggering. He was likely the first drummer to record using a full kit and a bass drum pedal, a major technical accomplishment of the era. He is credited with developing the rim shot and popularizing the extended drum solo, turning the drummer from a mere timekeeper into a soloist and frontman. His iconic, thundering solo on Benny Goodman's 1937 recording of "Sing, Sing, Sing" is a landmark moment in musical history, elevating the role of the drummer to that of an important solo voice in the band.
Gene Krupa was the first superstar of modern drumming. He popularized the extended drum solo, most famously on Benny Goodman's 1937 hit "Sing, Sing, Sing." Gene Krupa Drum Method Pdf
Before Krupa, many jazz drummers played the bass drum sparingly. His method teaches "feathering" the bass drum—playing all four beats in a bar softly to support the acoustic double bass, while unleashing heavy accents to punch through a brass section. 4. Syncopation and Showmanship Exercises
For professionals, reading music is essential. The method provides extensive exercises in reading drum notation, focusing on jazz phrasing, syncopation, and understanding how to follow a chart. D. The Swing Feel
Pair your studies with listening to Benny Goodman’s "Sing, Sing, Sing" or the Gene Krupa Orchestra to hear the techniques in action. 5. Conclusion The true innovation of the method lies in
: The method was written during the height of Krupa’s fame with the Benny Goodman band, following his historic extended jazz drum solos. Accessing the Method
Sites like Internet Archive sometimes host out-of-print versions for research.
: A central chart provides the "grammar" of his playing, covering everything from Flamacues to Drag Paradiddles. Split Double Strokes His iconic, thundering solo on Benny Goodman's 1937
Swing is about feel, but it’s also about timing. Practice the exercises slowly before ramping up to those "Krupa-speed" tempos.
Beyond its technical exercises, the book offers a unique historical look at the "infancy" of the drum set.