How To Play Your First Drumbeat In 4 Easy Steps
Hey there, drum enthusiasts! Welcome to THE XGROOVE. I'm Chad Peters, and today, we're diving into something truly exciting - your very first drumbeat.
For all you drummers out there who are taking your first steps into the world of playing drums, this lesson is made just for you. First, let’s talk about something I call the Breakdown Method - a step-by-step approach to breaking down a drum beat into lesser coordination and then gradually adding in more parts of the beat till we reach full coordination.
Check out this YouTube video to follow along with as you learn your first drumbeat. And lol, this was my very first YouTube video. So, be gentle.
Here is how we’ll break down your first drum beat:
Step 1: The Hi-Hat
The first part of the drumbeat we are going to focus on is the hi-hat. This is a very simple part to play but, it is also very important in keeping the timing of the beat. Now, before you play Step 1, let’s close the hi-hat by pressing our left down on the hi-hat pedal. Then using your right hand, you’re going to play 8th notes on the hi-hat counting out loud “1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and.” Like the image below.
An “x” is used to indicate the hi-hat and is written on the top of the staff.
Step 2: The Backbeat
Now, in Step 2 we'll layer in the snare drum on beats 2 and 4 while still playing the 8th note hi-hat pattern. This is called the backbeat and when you see people snapping or clapping to the music, they are following along with the backbeat. This gives structure to the beat laying a nice foundation for the kick drum.
The snare drum is written on the staff in the second space from the top.
Step 3: The Kick Drum
Still utilizing the breakdown method, we’re going to take out the snare drum for Step 3 and bring in the kick drum on beats 1 and 3. And like before, layering it with our 8th note hi-hat pattern. Now the bass drum gives the beat it’s pulse and creates the movement within the groove.
The bass drum note is written in the last space of the staff.
Step 4: Putting It All Together
And finally, we come to Step 4 - combining all the elements. In this step you’ll be playing the hi-hat, kick drum, and snare drum to create your first complete drum beat. Remember to count out loud as you play. This will ensure that you know where all your counts are and will help your mind play the correct part of the beat.
If at anytime you lose focus or are having trouble playing the full beat, go back through the steps and repeat it as many times as you need to until you can play it without thinking about it. BTW, the bass drum is usually the culprit here.
Take a break and play it again and again and again…
Throughout this process, you can use the video to help guide you as you play each step. And check out the end of the video for the Lesson Challenge where I help you strengthen your new drumbeat with a tempo challenge.
🥁Learn More Drumbeats
Once you learn your first drumbeat, you are ready for The Xgroove Flashcard System. This isn’t just a set of flashcards either. It’s a full learning system complete with video playthroughs of every drumbeat and drum fill, a 13-page PDF Lesson Guide and more. These flashcards are fully interchangeable so you can mix and match them to create your own ideas. Become the drummer you want to be right from the start!
About The Xgroove
Chad is an ambidextrous extreme drummer out of Las Vegas NV. Blending dynamics, tight grooves, and a deep understanding of rudiments, Chad's innovative approach pushes the boundaries of drumming, creating captivating phrasings through the seamless combination of hands and feet. Join Chad Peters on his mesmerizing musical journey and witness the boundless possibilities of drumming.
