Basic Rhythm Programming (The Basic Series) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a small book, physically (almost pocket sized - but 262 pages, not 42 as described) and in content, that contains much useful information, but it is imbalanced.It covers roughly 5 topics: basic sequencer function, basic rhythm composition (bass, snare, highhat), audio recording of drums, a discussion of the characteristics of drums in certain styles, and a few slightly more advanced topics.The strongest part is on basic composition, which consists of a series of tutorials that incorporate increasingly sophisticated rhythms, from very basic quarter notes (references to "crochets" indicating the british roots of the publication) up through the use of quantization of triplets and sixteenth-notes, with variations.This represents a solid introduction to pattern composition at the bar-level.

The sequencer function discussion is fine - based on Cubase and Logic interfaces - but not surprisingly is hopelessly outdated in 2009, for a 2003 publication.It might have been better to dial back slightly on the brand-based examples to focus on the features that exist, and will likely persist, in any drum sequencer.A few screenshots of midi sequences are great, but the various menu options and feature sets change quickly, even for the programs covered.The concepts apply to the many other sequencers out there.(I use Logic, so I'm not complaining about the choices.)

A chapter is devoted to a catalog of styles (e.g., Hip Hop, Drum 'n' Bass), describing the role each instrument plays in the groove, and the relative timbre/emphasis.This is fine, except there are no examples of the actual rhythm patterns characteristic or prototypical of the styles.You may get a sense of what the instruments sound like, and their musical context, but not the rhythms themselves.

Two chapters are devoted to audio recording of physical drums and drumming.The information is all fine, but I consider to be out of the scope of a book nominally about "programming" (implying building rhythms within a sequencer).There is a brief discussion of less common rhythms (7/8, 5/4, etc.) , but the most glaring omission of the book is on composition, beyond the bar level.How does one assemble various bar patterns effectively?How does the musical style affect choices about assembly?Most glaringly, there is no discussion of composing fills and/or transitions among verse/chorus/bridges.

Someone who knows nothing about drum programming on computers would probably benefit from this introduction. The book is short and cost-effective, and there is some good general discussion about the role of drums (including the need, or not, for "authenticity" with respect to substituting for a real drummer). For the home musician with no access to physical drums and/or drummers, there are lengthy sections that aren't especially useful.Furthermore, the beginning rhythm programmer will find only hints about composing drum patterns for entire songs - one needs to look elsewhere for more instruction.On the other hand, this is an inexpensive book and the beginner may very well gather enough nuggets to make it worthwhile.

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Product Description:
Pocket Size Book (4" X 5 3/4) A guide to creating rolls, fills and paradiddles on the computer. Every aspect of the process is explained, from connecting the soundcard to producing material rivaling that of Fatboy Slim himself.

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