The backing track to "Big Surprise" starts with a four bar drum intro, i.e. you play the first note after four bars of drums only. In notation, longer breaks at the beginning of a song (or anywhere in between) are indicated by a horizontal bar with the number of measures above indicating the duration:
As above, instrument(s) playing during the break are often indicated for convenience.
To enter in time count along with the drums like this:
1
2 3 4 2 2 3 4 3 2 3 4 4 2 3 4The count both indicates the tempo (the beats of the measures) and the number of measures (capital numbers).
The drums play extended fills throughout the song straying from the steady groove. Keep counting to stay in time. Both the complete backing track and the drum track are available for download.
Try improvising to the drum track and count along. You can easily control if you’re in time. Short drum breaks mostly end with a cymbal crash on the
one of the following measure. Listen to the drum track for these details, and keep counting along to stay with the groove. This is essential to maintain the rhythm.I’ve included some right hand fingering for the PlayAlong. Always practice both versions. It makes a big difference whether you start with your index or middle fingers!
At 100bpm, "Big Surprise" is not very fast. However, I recommend to practice the song at a slower tempo (60 – 80bpm) to a metronome or a drum track first. Pay attention to the alternate picking and muting techniques. Each note should ring out clearly without spilling into the next.
| To download, rightclick and select "Save destination as..." (Internet Explorer) or "Save link as..." (Netscape). Select destination folder and save. | Download! "Big Surprise"(MP3, 2860KB) "Big Surprise" drum track only (MP3, 1711KB) |
to print chapter 2 click here
(shows complete lesson as pdf-file)