Drums · Level 4 · Disco and funk
Disco groove with open hi-hat
Don’t just read about the disco groove with open hi-hat. Play it.
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Four on the floor with an open hi-hat on every “&”. The open hi-hat ‘breathes’ against the kick.
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. Open the hi-hat on the “&” and close it with your foot exactly on the next beat.
- Add the bass drum, then the snare, one part at a time.
- Set the tempo to 81 BPM and play the full groove four times without stopping.
- Raise the tempo to 116 BPM once it feels easy.
- Record a take and listen for a short ‘tss’ that closes cleanly on every beat.
Listen for
Aim for a short ‘tss’ that closes cleanly on every beat. A common mistake is leaving the hi-hat open too long so it washes over the kick.
Why it works
The open–closed hi-hat pattern is the signature sound of 1970s disco.
Questions
How do you count the disco groove with open hi-hat?
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 disco groove with open hi-hat at?
Start around 81 BPM and work up to 116 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 4 groove. If it feels too hard, go back to “Sixteenth-note hi-hat groove”.