Beats Using Sixteenth Notes
Although the majority of Rock songs use an eighth note cymbal pattern and a backbeat, there are many beats which contain extra 16th notes on the snare drum and many which use 16th notes as part of the bass drum pattern.
In the previous lesson you learned to use 16ths on any part of the beat on the bass drum. It is also important to practice the snare drum on all 16 positions within a bar of * time. The following example shows various combinations, but you should go through them systematically as with the previous beat subdivision exercises.
Snare Drum Variations
Here are some Rock beats which make use of sixteenth notes on the snare drum. As with previous beats, go through them counting the snare part louder and also practice singing each of the parts as you play the beats, and playing them along with a drum machine. These beats will give you some basic ideas, but it is also important to experiment with the ideas presented here and create your own beats.
Bass Drum Variations
Here are some beats which make use of sixteenth notes on the bass drum. Once again, you should use the ideas from these beats to create some of your own.
This one makes use of the open hi-hats.
And finally one which uses sixteenth notes on both the bass drum and the snare drum.
