Drums · Level 3 · Pop ballad
Pop ballad groove
Don’t just read about the pop ballad groove. 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.
A slow, open groove for ballads: soft hi-hat, a full snare on 2 and 4 and a gentle bass drum pattern.
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. At slow tempos, count the “&”s carefully so the gaps don’t shrink.
- Add the bass drum, then the snare, one part at a time.
- Set the tempo to 46 BPM and play the full groove four times without stopping.
- Raise the tempo to 66 BPM once it feels easy.
- Record a take and listen for space between the notes that stays even at a slow tempo.
Listen for
Aim for space between the notes that stays even at a slow tempo. A common mistake is rushing slow grooves; slow is harder to keep steady than fast.
Why it works
Ballads leave room for the voice. Fewer, well-placed notes support the song.
Questions
How do you count the pop ballad 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 pop ballad groove at?
Start around 46 BPM and work up to 66 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 3 groove. If it feels too hard, go back to “Rock beat with eighth-note kicks”.