“Laying Back”

On the other end of the spectrum, a groove can convey a lazy or relaxed feel if phrased slightly behind the click or song tempo.

Drummers will usually place most of the basic groove either spot on or slightly back of the click (picture the click being 3-dimensional, if you will), while exaggerating the “lateness” of the snare hit (to varying degrees, depending upon how overt of a “laying back” feel is desired). If the hi-hat is more or less spot on with the click, then the snare hit will slightly flam as it lands just behind the click. The bass line can reinforce the feel by being phrased in a lazy manner and landing on the tail end of the click (almost as if the click is pulling the bass line along).

Here’s an example of a 6/8 ballad that’s laying back slightly.

Audio Example 1

Audio Example 1 + Click

This sort of shuffle groove would say something entirely different if phrased in an “on top” manner. There’s a certain sense of laziness (or attitude, depending on the context) communicated when the groove is played on the back of the beat. The authenticity of the feel from Example 1 is dependent upon it.

EXERCISE 1

Play a ballad-esque groove along with a metronome or drum machine, making an effort to phrase it on the back of the beat. As last time, record yourself, listen back to find what’s working and what’s not, then take another try at it. Work on getting a feel for laying back in a musical way vs. being late.