Part 6 · Jazz · Chapter 84

Brushes

Brushes are fans of thin wires (or nylon) used instead of sticks for soft music. The left brush usually sweeps in circles across the snare to make a steady “shhh”, while the right brush taps the ride pattern on the snare.

Left hand: sweep a slow circle on the head, clockwise, one full circle every two beats.
Right hand: tap the swing ride pattern on the snare.
Hi-hat foot on 2 and 4, bass drum feathered.

EXAMPLE 84.1The right-hand brush pattern

TEMPO

The ride pattern played on the snare with a brush. (The left-hand sweep can’t be written as notes.)

Listen to the mastersTIP

Brush playing is learned by ear. Listen to jazz ballads and try to copy the sound of the sweep.