Drums · Level 2 · Rock, hip-hop and metal
Half-time groove
Don’t just read about the half-time groove. Play it.
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The snare moves to beat 3 only, so the groove feels twice as slow and heavy while the hi-hat keeps moving.
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. Feel one big snare per bar on beat 3 and leave space everywhere else.
- Add the bass drum, then the snare, one part at a time.
- Set the tempo to 50 BPM and play the full groove four times without stopping.
- Raise the tempo to 72 BPM once it feels easy.
- Record a take and listen for a big, single snare that sounds deliberate.
Listen for
Aim for a big, single snare that sounds deliberate. A common mistake is speeding up because there are fewer notes; let the hi-hat keep the time.
Why it works
Half-time halves the backbeat: the tempo stays the same, but the groove feels like half the speed.
Questions
How do you count the half-time groove?
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 half-time groove at?
Start around 50 BPM and work up to 72 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 2 groove. If it feels too hard, go back to “Four on the floor”.