How to be behind the beat, but still in time

[JaxyJones]

I'm mashing up an old dance song that has a great behind-the-beat groove to it. I want to maintain that feel, but I also don't want to eventually drift out of time. Any tips? Thanks in advance

[The Philosopher King]

I understand that Drummers sometimes keep a strict rhythm with certain elements of the kit, while simultaneously playing other elements of the kit ahead or behind the beat.

I just did a quick search and my thought seems to be confirmed. ''I think it was Jeff Porcaro who talked about making the whole groove sit dead on the beat, and then pulling the snare drum back a little bit to make it groove or layback a bit better.''

I have no idea what the 'traditional' way to handle your sample is in this case but personally, I'd be thinking about how the Drummer approached his groove, noting which elements he played in strict time, and which elements he played ahead or behind the beat to maintain a proper groove with the Band.

For any Dance orientated music, I would guess that the kick drum should be bang on the beat.

[JaxyJones]

Yeah, that's kind of how I've been handling it thus far. I pin the downbeat to the marker every third measure or so, and just let the rest of it keep its groove. I'm just trying to avoid a "machine" sound.

[chrk]

I pin the downbeat to the marker every third measure or so, and just let the rest of it keep its groove.

The first beat of every measure should sit right on the spot. Variation on the others is what makes up a specific groove.

Anyway, have you ever looked into Live's groove extraction feature?

[holistic]

I'd go for the Philosopher's suggestion. I use alot of tracks by J Dilla and Madlib in my sets. They're sort famous for their specific grooves. It's what makes up a big part of their style. I keep the downbeat lined up. Maybe not as tight as every third beat though... then some snares and kicks will not be in line with the grid, but that's the whole point with a groove.