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Hand Signals

Ragga

(Tune sign: fists together, thumbs pointing upwards and to the left and right)

Notes:

Ragga is one of the tunes played over 8 beats rather than 4 so it is important to call breaks etc at the right time.

The single Kick Back, double Kick Back and the short break are always played together as a combo. Play the Single Kick Back for 4 or 5 repeats then count in the Double Kick Back. After another 4 or 5 repeats, count in the short break (played only once). The short break can also be played on its own, but don't be tempted to play either of the kick backs on their own - it sounds rubbish.

Start with the Kick Back/ Short break combo as an introduction. You can also play it as a break in the groove.

Don't forget break 3 as well.

As you get more confident with this, the reps can introduce the variation once in a while. Don't play it straight after a kick back though - it doesn't sound too good.

If you're finding it hard for the surdos to keep up at normal pace, you can slow it down a bit - it sounds fantastic and has a laid back vibe when played at around 95-100 bpm as opposed to the normal 120 b.p.m - find your own band's pace. 

We find it easier to play the low and mid surdo patterns 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 keep time).

BOP Samba play an exclusive break called the Rage break. It's called that because it sounds like a riff from the classic Rage Against The Machine song "Killing in the Name". We're hoping it'll catch on!

Ragga can seem a difficult rhythm at first glance, but once you get going you'll find that nearly all of the parts have rhythms that echo each  other. It's one people seem to pick up surprisingly quickly. 

We love this tune. It's fast, funky and one of our favourites!

[Sound files] [Printable Version]

Groove

* The variation is not good to play straight after the Kick Back

x = hit

- = silent hit with hand resting on skin

. = shadow note on snare

l = low agogo bell

h = high agogo bell

Single Kick Back *

(Signal: a 'kick' with the thumb back over one shoulder)

(repeat until counted in for Kick Back II)

x = hit

Double Kick Back *

(Signal: like Kick Back I but with two thumbs)

(repeat until counted in for Short Break)

Short Break *

(Signal: like the "small word" sign in charades - thumb and 1st finger held apart to to signal something small)

* Kick Back I, Kick Back II and the Short Break are all played together in sequence as an introduction or break.

Break 3

(Signal: three fingers held up)

The Rage break

(Signal: use fingers to make devil horns on either side of the head)

Sound files

[Printable Version]