Rock Beats
Once you are comfortable playing the previous examples, you are ready to play a basic Rock beat. The following examples demonstrate two simple rock beats. The only difference between these beats is the placement of the bass drum. In the first one, the bass drum is played on beats 1 and 3 only, while the second one has the bass drum on all four beats. Practice each one slowly at first, and then together until you are comfortable playing them. Once you can play these beats, you are ready to start playing with other musicians.
The Eighth Rest
This symbol is an eighth rest. It indicates half a beat of silence.
Here is a note reading exercise which makes use of the eighth rest. When using rests, counting is particularly important so you don’t get lost and play notes in the wrong place.
