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Hand Signals

Hedgehog

(Tune signal: spiky fingers on the head)

Notes:

This is one of the basic "must know" tunes, famous for it's shouting break.

This tune is played over 8 beats rather than 4, so counting in of breaks etc is different. It is played at quite a fast tempo.

The Hedgehog break can be changed to anything you want – for example “No War”. Tweak the signals to fit as well, especially if you’re using more than one call. We sometimes play an alcoholic version with the calls “Lager” (signal: drinking a pint), “Vodka” (signal: making a ‘v’ with fingers) and “Tequila” (needs to be shouted quickly; signal: ‘T’ made with hands).

The Repenique part has notes played on the rim of the drum as well as the skin. It can be a little difficult to get the hang of, but stick with it.

Try starting with just the agogos playing their pattern then bring in the other instruments, one by one.

Break 1 is played just by the surdos, whilst everyone else continues playing the groove pattern. Try continuing playing this break until a Hedgehog break or similar is called.

Both the Hedgehog call and Break 1 are stretched over 8 beats but the notes/ shouts only happen in the last 2 or 4 beats. It is important for the mestre to count from the start of the 8 beats to get the timing right (marked with ">" on the notation). Everyone else keeps playing their normal rhythm until they are counted in - don't stop!

It is easier to play the surdo rhythms if you play the silent hits (marked "-" on the notation) with your hand. Just be careful not to play them too loudly (they're just to help you keep time). The mid surdo part can be quite hard as it is on the offbeat, but stick with it.

Finish on a shouting call.

Have fun!

[Sound files] [Printable Version]

Groove

x = hit  

- = silent hit (for keeping time)

s = note played of side of repenique

l = low agogo bell
h = high agogo bell
. = ghost note (quiet snare note)

Break 1

(Signal: 1 finger held up)

Played by Surdos only - mestre starts counting in from here ">"

Hedgehog call

(Signal: same as the tune sign - spiky fingers on the head)

Mestre starts counting in from ">"

This call can be changed to anything you want though 2 syllables works the best. We've used "No War" (sign: make a "W" with the hands), "vodka" (sign: hold up 2 fingers in a "V" sign"), "tequila" (sign: make a "T" with the hands), "lager" (sign: drinking a pint), "compost" (sign: making a "C" shape with one hand) or "F*ck Bush" (sign: make a hole with one hand and insert finger of other hand into it).

Sound Files

[Printable Version]