Lesson in Drumming With 8th Note Rock Beats

Drumming With Eighth Note Rock Beats and How to Read

It is easy to argue that the most important skill a rock drummer must have is to play grooves. There is also no argument that the most common grooves in rock are eighth note based. Therefore, if you want to be a rock drummer, and you’re just getting started, learn this lesson sheet.

Here’s what the notation means. The top line, with the “X” noteheads represents the hi hat or ride cymbal, played with your right hand (we’re assuming you are right handed). The second space from the top represents the snare drum, played with your left hand. Finally, the bottom space on the staff represents the bass drum, played with your right foot on the bass drum pedal.

Any of the examples on the sheet can be counted correctly by saying “one and two and three and four and” sequentially while you play each of the eight notes in each example. In other words, when you play the first note in example #1, say “one,” and then say “and” when you play the second note and then say “two” when you play the third note and so on and so forth.

“Muscle through” these patterns very slowly at first by just literally doing what the notation says to do. For example, with beat #1, which is the beat in the upper most left hand corner of the sheet as pictured, if you simply do the following, you will be playing the beat:

1) play the hi hat with your right hand and the bass drum with your right foot simultaneously. (say “one” out loud while you do this)

2) play the hi hat with your right hand. (say “and”)

3) play the hi hat with your right hand and the snare drum with your left hand simultaneously. (say “two”)

4) play the hi hat with your right hand. (say “and”)

5) repeat the previous steps but substitute the words “three” “and” “four” “and” for each step in sequence. (“one” becomes “three”; “and” remains “and”; “two” becomes “four”; and “and” remains “and”)

6) repeat the above over and over, and space the notes evenly, and you’ll be playing the beat. start very slowly and practice the pattern until it becomes easy to play. then you can gradually speed up.

7) use this same process for all the beats on the page the music sheet
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You will need to go deeper than this, but for a complete beginner, this is a really good way to get started. Try this and if you have any questions about how to work through it, feel free to to ask us with the links below. Or if you're ready to take drum lessons contact us about finding a drum instructor near you!

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