Drums · Level 6 · Hip-hop
Boom bap hip-hop beat
Don’t just read about the boom bap hip-hop beat. Play it.
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The classic 1990s hip-hop beat: a heavy kick (‘boom’) and a crisp snare (‘bap’) with laid-back timing.
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. Lay the snare very slightly behind the beat for a relaxed feel.
- Add the bass drum, then the snare, one part at a time.
- Set the tempo to 62 BPM and play the full groove four times without stopping.
- Raise the tempo to 88 BPM once it feels easy.
- Record a take and listen for a fat kick on 1 and a pair of kicks leading into beat 3.
Listen for
Aim for a fat kick on 1 and a pair of kicks leading into beat 3. A common mistake is playing too stiffly; the groove should feel loose and heavy.
Why it works
Boom bap grew out of sampled drum breaks from funk and soul records.
Questions
How do you count the boom bap hip-hop 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 boom bap hip-hop beat at?
Start around 62 BPM and work up to 88 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 6 groove. If it feels too hard, go back to “Bossa nova”.