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Someone threw on some Bob Marley and the Wailers today at work and I commented on how strange and fascinating I find the reggae drum patterns that see the kickdrum land on the 2 and almost entirely absent from the downbeat. As a lifelong groove drummer (read: someone who can't really play to sheet music) it's something that's mostly eluded me but I find it fascinating nonetheless. Can anyone speak to the history of this kind of rhythm? As well, I was surprised to learn that the Wailers' drummer used a pretty standard snare; a 14"x5.5" Ludwig 402 IIRC. Would have sworn it was some kind of piccolo snare or even something like the 13"x6" Dixon I've got (which was sold to me as a 'reggae/jungle' snare and does have that almost timbale quality to it that some other reggae snares have, almost a metal kit PING to it if the snares are slacked enough). I'm curious about how they were able to get it sounding so tight and dry and arguably small.
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May 2, 2024 04:00
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| # ? May 4, 2024 23:08 |
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Reggae tends to be slower and syncopated, the snare on beat 3 just seems to help define the music. Sort of like the ride cymbal patters in Jazz. Reggae is younger than Rock by about 10-15 years so it may also have been done that way just to be different. There's a few YT videos on the snare sound. I'm not sure about the recording you heard (live or studio), but a two ply head cranked really tight would give a higher, punchier sound. Reggae drummers use the rim quite a bit so you it could also be a combo on snare/rim shot. I figure a regular snare is easier to find and in live situation would project more than a piccolo. At least in the early 80s which was when Marley recorded.
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May 2, 2024 13:31
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