Rhythm 2 Intro

Rhythm 2 Intro: Rhythms of the I Ching Hexagrams

Drumming Instructions

Special note here: When drumming for these double tone rhythms, use the right hand for the base and for the first tone! This is much more difficult if you try to alternate your hands for each beat.

DRUMMING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Learn the two sounds needed for this section: a base sound and a double tone sound. The more different they are the easier it will be to hear the changes in the hexagrams.

2. Play each of the rhythms in each section

3. When proficient play the rhythms in sequence. First play each rhythm twice and then the next. Later you can play them in sequence one at a time.

4. Play each of the rhythms leaving out the first beat until it becomes comfortable. Then play them in sequence leaving out the first beat.

5. Play each of the rhythms leaving out the second beat until it becomes comfortable. Then play them in sequence leaving out the second beat.

6. Play each of the rhythms leaving out the third beat until it becomes comfortable. Then play them in sequence leaving out the fourth beat. And so on up to the sixth beat in the case of the hexagrams.

7. Once comfortable with the above exercises, do them all again only start with your left hand this time.

8. In groups and drum circles, you can designate a trigram to each person, preferably in their correct sequence. This creates a special circle of sound. Someone proficient can also play each trigram one after the other to add another dimension to the circle. It would be best to get the 8 trigrams going first, and then at some time into it, someone playing them in sequence will produce special effects around the circle.

9. It is possible for any two or more trigrams to be played at the same time and this is one way to accentuate the relationships and the I Ching hexagrams.

10. It is also possible to play several hexagrams at the same time.

11. Divining a hexagram for the moment would be a good way to choose what to play. Remember, every beat, or combination of beats, has a meaning, which can be looked up in the text.

12. One could also, for unique events like a new or full moon circle, play the hexagram that the Sun or the Moon is in.

13. If one takes the circle in the Appendix 4: True numbers. The hexagrams can be played in sequence from the inside line to the outside line around the circle. Once proficient in a clockwise direction after starting with either hand, one can then attempt to play them in a counterclockwise direction.

Melodies and Rhythms of Change