Drummers' Dictionary - O

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Offbeat

A rhythm that avoids the strong beats of the measure.

Source: Modern Drummer Magazine, August 2005

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O-Ring

A plastic ring approximatley 1-2 inches wide which rests on the batter drum head and runs all the way round it to muffle the drum. Preferred by rock drummers to get a "thud" sound.
Source: Josh Carpenter, Drummer

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Ostinato

A pattern that repeats continously throughout a piece of music - one of the best known is examples is the snare pattern in Ravell's Bolero.

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Overdub

To transfer recorded sound onto a previous recording, producing a combined effect.

Source: Modern Drummer Magazine, August 2005

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Overtone

One of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental pitch, combining to create a complex musical tone.

Source: Modern Drummer Magazine, August 2005