In the world of music, the beat sets the foundation and is the heartbeat of music, setting the rhythm and driving the energy forward. As a drummer, mastering various drum beats is essential to becoming a versatile and proficient musician. In this article, we’ll explore 10 must know drum beats every drummer should know. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, understanding these 10 must know drum beats is crucial to your development as a drummer.
10 Must Know Drum Beats Drummers Should Know
The Rock Beat
The rock beat stands as a pillar of modern music and is the driving force behind countless rock, pop, and alternative songs. Characterized by its steady backbeat on the snare drum, typically played on beats 2 and 4, with a driving Bass Drum on beats 1 and 3. This beat provides the solid foundation for countless rock, pop, and alternative songs, making it essential for any drummer’s arsenal.
There are many variations to the rock beat notated above. As you deepen your vocaulary you will learn more possibilities including alternate rhythms for the Bass Drum, Snare Drum and cymbals.
Here’s an example of an alternate Bass Drum rhythm played in “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Drive My Car” by The Bealtes.
While the Snare Drum is typically played on beats 2 and 4, often additional notes can be added to the groove. “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve is a great example of this.
The Funk Beat
Funk music is all about the groove, and the funk beat delivers just that with its infectious rhythm and syncopated accents. Characterized by its emphasis on the “one” and intricate snare drum patterns, the funk groove is designed to make you move. With its emphasis on off-beat patterns and tight, crisp snare hits, the funk groove is a vital beat for drummers exploring funk, soul, and R&B styles.
Funk beats borrow heavily from rock and often have a backbeat and similar Bass Drum rhythms. It is the addition of tight sounding Hi-Hat rhythms and embellishments along with Snare Drum fills and ghost notes that give funk it’s sound and feel. “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry is a good example of a funk beat that isn’t too far off from beats heard in rock music.
Mastering funk beats teaches drummers the importance of pocket playing and rhythmic precision, laying the groundwork for exploring complex grooves and improvisation. Syncopated Bass Drum and Snare Drum rhythms are a staple part of drumming in this style. The beat for “Chameleon” by Herbie Hancock is a great example of a well known syncopated funk groove.
Swing Beat
Jazz music is known for its improvisational nature and complex rhythms, and the jazz swing beat is the grandfather of this drumming style and a one of the most influential must know drum beats. The swing beat has a distinctive triplet feel, creating a sense of swing and groove. The ride cymbal provides a steady pulse, while the Snare Drum and Bass Drum interplay to allow for improvised conversation with the other instruments. Mastery of dynamics and brush technique is also essential for jazz drummers.
Here is an example of a passage of music with the snare drum and bass drum played in a more improvised style.
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The Shuffle
Rooted in the blues tradition, the shuffle beat is a driving force behind countless blues, rock, and country tunes. Played with a triplet feel, the shuffle contains the first and last note of each triplet. This rhythm is used in virtually every style of music making it an import addition to your arsenal of must know drum beats.
Drummers often use both hands to play the shuffle rhythm, using the snare drum to accentuate the rhythm and give it a backbeat. To do this, we muust vary the intensity of the snare hits and utilize dynamics to give a shuffle feel its unique and captivating character. Add the bass ddrum on every beat and you are now playing a Texas shuffle.
Bossa Nova
Latin music is an exciting and rhythmic style, especially for the drums. Every drummer should have a knowledge of some latin styles. If you don’t know any grooves in this style, there are many must know drum beats to choose from but the Bossa Nova would be the best place to start.
Originating from Brazil, the bossa nova beat is characterized by its laid-back heartbeat rhythm on the bass drum and syncopated rhythm played on the cross-stick. This beat is incredibly versatile and has been featured in songs that cross over to other genres like rock and pop. It is an essential groove for exploring Latin rhythms and adding diversity to your repertoire.
Reggae
Hailing from Jamaica, Reggae music is known for its infectious rhythms and laid-back vibe, and the “one drop” beat is at the heart of this genre. This groove is instantly recognizable for its laid-back feel and off-beat accents. With the bass drum emphasizing beats 2 and 4 of each measure and not on beat 1, the reggae one drop lays the foundation for the infectious grooves of reggae music.
Contrary to conventional drumming patterns, the one drop places emphasis on the off beats. This creates a relaxed yet upbeat rhythm. Drummers use a combination of rim shots, cross-stick technique, and syncopated hi-hat rhythms to bring out the characteristics of reggae.
Not all reggae grooves have the bass drum rhythm of the one drop. Some reggae songs will feature grooves with a steady and persistent 1/8th note rhythm while still emphasizing the off beats on the Hi-Hats. This groove is known as “Steppers” and can be heard in songs like “Jammin'” and “Is This Love?” by Bob Marley.
Hip Hop “Boom Bap” Beat
Hip-hop music revolutionized the art of sampling and beat-making. At the heart of hip-hop music lies the boom bap beat which paved the way for many must know drum beats. It is characterized by its tight kick and snare pattern. Drummers often use drum machines or samplers to create programmed beats, but playing a live interpretation is essential for live performances and studio recordings. Mastering the boom bap beat is essential for any drummer looking to dive into the world of hip-hop production and live performance.
Many hip-hop producers will use 1/16th and even 1/32nd notes on the hi-hats in the beats they compose along with syncopated bass drum rhythms. The Snare however almost always stays on the 2 and 4 as the backbeat is vital for this style of music. However, there are often extra notes added to the snare to enhance the groove pattern. “Nonstop” by Drake is a perfect example of a beat with these types of rhythms.
Double Bass Metal Beats
Metal music is synonymous with speed, power, and technical prowess, and the double bass drum beat epitomizes these qualities. The double bass blast beat is characterized by its rapid-fire bass drum patterns and aggressive energy. Drummers use both feet to execute rapid alternating strokes on the bass drum pedals, creating a continuous barrage of sound that drives the music forward. Precision, stamina, and control are essential for mastering this intense beat.
The song “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath is one of the most influencial and iconic drum parts that laid the foundation for this style of drumming. If you’re interested in heavy metal music, there are many must know beats, but none as prolific as this one.
By mastering techniques like blast beats and heel-toe pedal control, drummers unlock the ability to unleash thunderous rhythms that propel metal music to new heights of intensity and complexity. Metal double bass beats are often a constant stream of notes, either 1/16ths or sextuplets, but they can also be more syncopated like the beat from “Down With The Sickness” by Disturbed.
Afrobeat
Originating in West Africa and popularized by Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, Afrobeat blends traditional African rhythms with elements of jazz and funk music. This style has a diverse range of must know drum beats, but the Afrobeat is the most iconic of them all. This beat and style places an emphasis on the first two 1/16th notes in each beat. Here is an example of a basic Afrobeat groove. In this case, the hi-hats are playing the first two 1/16ths.
Afrobeat grooves often include 4-way independence and much more syncopated rhythms. This example below shows you how the Bass Drum can have very specific rhythms (instead of just 1/4 notes), and that the Snare can be much busier, incorporating ghost notes and syncopated accents.
Drum & Bass Breakbeats
Rooted in electronic music culture, the drum and bass breakbeat is a testament to the fusion of live instrumentation and electronic production techniques. Characterized by its frenetic tempo and intricate drum programming, the breakbeat provides the rhythmic foundation for bass-heavy grooves and complex syncopations. Drummers adept in the art of breakbeats showcase their creativity through intricate ghost note patterns and syncopated rhythms.
Tempo is everything when playing breakbeats in this style. Songs are typically very fast and drummers are required to play with precision and rhythmic complexity at a tempo faster than most styles of music. Here is an example of a well known breakbeat from the song “Firestarter” by The Prodigy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the 10 must know drum beats is essential for any drummer looking to expand their musical horizons and become a versatile musician. From the timeless rhythms of rock and jazz to the infectious grooves of funk and Latin music, each beat offers a unique opportunity for expression and creativity. So, whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced drummer looking to refine your skills, dive into these essential beats and unlock the rhythmic potential within.
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