Drums · Level 1 · Rock and pop
Basic rock beat
Don’t just read about the basic rock beat. Play it.
Create a free TempoJam account in 30 seconds. Then try the tuner, metronome and Jam Room free for 14 days and record your first take tonight.
Eighth notes on the hi-hat with the backbeat on the snare: the beat you hear on thousands of rock and pop records.
Tap an instrument name to mute it and play that part yourself.
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a steady groove.
- Press play and listen to the whole groove twice before you play.
- Mute every row except the hi-hat (or ride) and play along with the rest. Count “1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &”. The hi-hat plays every word; the snare joins on 2 and 4.
- Add the bass drum, then the snare, one part at a time.
- Set the tempo to 53 BPM and play the full groove four times without stopping.
- Raise the tempo to 76 BPM once it feels easy.
- Record a take and listen for eight even hi-hat notes in every bar.
Listen for
Aim for eight even hi-hat notes in every bar. A common mistake is lifting the hi-hat hand when the snare plays; both hands hit together on 2 and 4.
Why it works
Eighth notes split each beat in two. The steady hi-hat is the ‘clock’ the band locks to.
Questions
How do you count the basic rock beat?
It is in 4/4. Count 1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a for each bar.
What tempo should I practise the basic rock beat at?
Start around 53 BPM and work up to 76 BPM. Only speed up when you can play it four times in a row without mistakes.
Is this drum lesson right for my level?
It is a level 1 groove. If it feels too hard, go back to “Quarter-note groove”.