Drums · Level 5 · Blues and rock ’n’ roll
Shuffle groove
Don’t just read about the shuffle groove. Play it.
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Each beat is split in three and the hi-hat plays the first and last part: the long–short ‘swing’ of blues and rock ’n’ roll.
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. Say “1 – let, 2 – let” (“trip-let” with the middle silent) while you play.
- Add the bass drum, then the snare, one part at a time.
- Set the tempo to 64 BPM and play the full groove four times without stopping.
- Raise the tempo to 92 BPM once it feels easy.
- Record a take and listen for a lilting long–short pattern, not straight eighth notes.
Listen for
Aim for a lilting long–short pattern, not straight eighth notes. A common mistake is drifting back to straight eighths at faster tempos.
Why it works
A shuffle is built on triplets. Leaving out the middle triplet gives the bounce.
Questions
How do you count the shuffle groove?
It is in 12/8 feel. Count 1 trip let 2 trip let 3 trip let 4 trip let for each bar.
What tempo should I practise the shuffle groove at?
Start around 64 BPM and work up to 92 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 5 groove. If it feels too hard, go back to “Disco groove with open hi-hat”.