Beats Based on Eighth Notes

Lesson 2/41 | Study Time: 5 Min
Beats Based on Eighth Notes

Beats Based on Eighth Notes

Once you can play eighth notes on a cymbal and quarter notes on the bass drum or snare drum, you are ready to play some actual drum beats based on eighth notes. The example below is a basic Rock beat which makes use of the hi-hats (right hand) , the bass drum (right foot) and the snare drum (left hand). This beat has been used for literally thousands of songs. When you can play it, you are ready to begin playing with a band.

Here is a common variation. The only difference between this beat and the previous one is that the bass drum is played on every beat of the bar.

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