by Chis Munson
Background
 In the last article I discussed some of the basic approaches to jazz comping using the eight syncopation solos in Ted Reed’s book, ‘Syncopation.’  As we move forward, the variations on these solos will become increasingly more difficult.  It has been my experience as both an educator and student that there is not a universal learning curve for these exercises. 
You will likely find that just as you have become comfortable with the exercises, you suddenly hit a brick wall with a new variation.  When this happens, break the …

by Chis Munson
Background
Chances are that if you have formally studied drum set then you have encountered Ted Reed’s “Progressive Steps to Syncopation.”  In the middle of this book (beginning on page 38) are eight, 40 bar solos.  At first glance these solos appear to be somewhat simplistic and concise.  However, hidden within them is the possibility for, as far as I can tell, a seemingly infinite series of 4-way independence exercises.
As a student, performer, and educator it has occurred to me that there is typically a bridge missing from learning …

by Chis Munson
Overview
So far we have discussed volume / amplitude processors (compression) and spectral / frequency processors (equalization).  In this article I am going to cover time based signal processing.  The most common time based processor to be used on drum set is reverb though echo, delay, flanging, phasing, and a few other effects fall into this category.
Chances are that you have applied reverb to your drum tracks either through the use of an outboard signal processor or software plug-in.  It is also likely that you scrolled through a host …

by Chris Munson
Overview
It is safe to say that the equalizer is used more frequently than any other signal processing device. EQ’s are both amplitude and spectrum processors. This is because they can affect both the dynamic range and sonic quality of an instrument. The most common types of EQ’s include graphic, fixed frequency, and parametric. I will be discussing the use of parametric equalization only.
Before getting into the nuts and bolts of EQ’ing, it is important to understand what it is you are altering. Look on any EQ and you …