It sounds complex but if we take the pattern progressively
from a simple idea forward (see my lesson on beat development here:http://jasonhorsler.tripod.com/id59.html)then it’s actually quite simple. Have a look at this
first transcript. It shows just how simple the pattern is at its foundation. Try counting it out aloud and clapping it.
In this next one the accents are included - so
try clapping this out slowly and really accenting the right parts… you should start hearing the Mozambique.
The right hand does the most important part of
the beat so here is the pattern it will be playing, and this against half notes on the hihat with your left foot. Practice
this one slowly for a few minutes to see how it fits together.
Same as before but now we add the accents. In this
case we will accent on the bell of the ride. Note how your hand moves from side to side between the bell and the bow. Keep
it slow and steady.
Let’s add the bass drum now.
We are now ready to put the left hand in the mix.
First let’s look at the Mozambique as a rudimental pattern. It’s made up of a unison figure followed by a bunch
of paradiddle fragments. Start as below playing it as a straight forward pattern with no accents. Slow and steady and on two
different voices (maybe the snare and floor tom).
Now let’s add in the accents.
Let’s concentrate only on the left hand movement
between tom 2 and tom 3 now.
Now with the accents
Take out the accents temporarily and put the footwork
in place.
Now we put the accents back in and, voila …
the Mozambique.
When you get to this stage it is a good idea to watch Steve Gadd doing it in the link at the top
of this page to get some ideas on orchestrating the pattern around the kit.
