5 Latin Grooves Every Drummer Should Know (Juan Carlito Mendoza)

Learn Drums Here: Free Lessons: Our Favorite Music Products: Faster Hands & Feet (in 10 days) ► The Ultimate Drumming Toolbox ► Are you a working drummer who doesn’t often play latin but wants to make sure you can get through the gig if you get the call? Juan Mendoza is here to save the day with five cool latin grooves every drummer should know – even if the style isn’t your bread and butter. 1. Cha-cha Don’t have a cowbell? You can play the 8th notes on the hi-hat, but make sure you keep it “delicate”, especially in the song’s verses! Add the bass drum on the 2 and the 4 . One variation is to sub the 1 and 3 with a long quarter note buzz (to emulate the sound of a güiro). 2. Mambo Your left hand moves from a cross-stick on the snare to the high tom, then back again. Your right hand plays a ride pattern over top. Add the bass drum on 2