Drums · Level 3 · Rock
Rock beat with eighth-note kicks
Don’t just read about the rock beat with eighth-note kicks. Play it.
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The basic rock beat with an extra bass drum on the “&” of 3: a small change that makes the groove push forward.
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. Play the two kicks on “3 &” as a pair, both with the same strength.
- Add the bass drum, then the snare, one part at a time.
- Set the tempo to 59 BPM and play the full groove four times without stopping.
- Raise the tempo to 84 BPM once it feels easy.
- Record a take and listen for two clean, separate kicks on 3 and the & after it.
Listen for
Aim for two clean, separate kicks on 3 and the & after it. A common mistake is letting the hi-hat hand stop while the foot plays two notes.
Why it works
Kick drum variations change the groove’s personality while the hands stay the same.
Questions
How do you count the rock beat with eighth-note kicks?
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 rock beat with eighth-note kicks at?
Start around 59 BPM and work up to 84 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 “Your first drum fill”.