Sounds of the Drums
Before you start playing actual beats on the drums, it is a good idea to become familiar with the sounds and characteristics of all the individual drums and cymbals which make up the drumkit. Each part of the kit has a different tone color (called timbre) which makes it distinguishable from the other parts of the kit. In this lesson you will learn some basic note values and then apply them to all the parts of the drumkit.
The Quarter Note
This is a quarter note. It lasts for one beat. There are four quarter notes in one bar of * time.
The following example uses quarter notes played on the snare drum. Snare drum notes are written in the third space on the staff. There are several ways to play this example. First, alternate the hands RLRL and then reverse them (LRLR). Once you can do this strongly and evenly at a reasonable tempo, play the example with one hand at a time (RRRR etc and LLLL etc). This will help to prepare you for actual drum beats and fills. Count out loud as you play. To help you develop a good sense of time from the very beginning, it is important to use a metronome or drum machine with everything you play.
Once you are comfortable playing quarter notes on the snare drum, try playing them on the bass drum with your right foot. Bass drum notes are written in the first space on the staff. Once again, keep the notes strong and even, and count out loud as you play.
Now try alternating between the bass drum and the snare drum. There are several ways of playing the snare drum part of this example. First, use the left hand only on the snare drum. Then use the right hand only, and finally alternate the hands. Keep your counting even and listen carefully to your metronome to make sure your playing is in time with it.
