Drums · Level 1 · Rock and pop
Quarter-note groove
Don’t just read about the quarter-note groove. Play it.
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The simplest full drum beat: hi-hat on every beat, bass drum on 1 and 3, snare on 2 and 4. Almost every pop song can be played over it.
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. Count “1, 2, 3, 4” out loud and let the right hand play on every number.
- Add the bass drum, then the snare, one part at a time.
- Set the tempo to 49 BPM and play the full groove four times without stopping.
- Raise the tempo to 70 BPM once it feels easy.
- Record a take and listen for the snare landing exactly with the hi-hat on 2 and 4.
Listen for
Aim for the snare landing exactly with the hi-hat on 2 and 4. A common mistake is rushing the snare; keep both hands moving at the same height.
Why it works
Beats 2 and 4 are the backbeat. Putting the snare there is what makes rock and pop feel like rock and pop.
Questions
How do you count the quarter-note 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 quarter-note groove at?
Start around 49 BPM and work up to 70 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 1 groove. It is the first lesson in the path.