Drums · Level 9 · Electronic
Drum and bass beat
Don’t just read about the drum and bass beat. Play it.
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A fast breakbeat at around 170 BPM: kick on 1 and the “&” of 3, snare on 2 and 4.
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. Start at half the tempo and only speed up when the hands stay relaxed.
- Add the bass drum, then the snare, one part at a time.
- Set the tempo to 119 BPM and play the full groove four times without stopping.
- Raise the tempo to 170 BPM once it feels easy.
- Record a take and listen for a precise, punchy kick and snare at high speed.
Listen for
Aim for a precise, punchy kick and snare at high speed. A common mistake is tensing up and getting louder as you speed up.
Why it works
Drum and bass comes from sped-up funk breaks; the syncopated kick gives it its rolling feel.
Questions
How do you count the drum and bass 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 drum and bass beat at?
Start around 119 BPM and work up to 170 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 9 groove. If it feels too hard, go back to “Half-time shuffle”.