Drumming to The Simpsons by Andrea Vadrucci (vadrum)
How To Play Drums with New Beat Variations
Be sure you check out the article on how to learn to play drums before you go through this drum lesson. This teaches how to play new variations of the beats covered in that lesson, so it's important that you start there.
With that said, if you are ready to learn new beat variations, you've come to the right place. Below you will learn four beats that have some slight changes from the basic rock groove. This first one includes the bass drum on all four counts. So, you will want to start with the hi-hats, then bring in the bass drum on all four counts, and then add in the snare on two and four. Once you have it going, just loop in a few times to be sure you can play it perfectly.
This second beat includes less shots, and is more of a half-time feel. Basically, you play the bass drum on the one count, and the snare drum on the three count. The hi-hats are the steady foundation on all four counts. It's pretty straight ahead, but be sure you practicing it carefully as the feel is quite different.
The third pattern can feel a little awkward, especially when it is looped. It can be easy to lose track of where each measure starts and ends, so be sure you continue to count out loud (1, 2, 3, 4) as you play this pattern. It features the hi-hats on all four counts, the bass drum on the one and four, and the snare drum on two and three. Play it slowly at first, and then try faster tempos as you become more confident with it.
The final groove is very similar to the previous one, but is just offset by one quarter note. Notice as you play it that it still has two bass drum shots, and two snare drum shots. The difference is where they are to be played, and how they are to be counted. Work through it slowly, and you should have no trouble.
Are you done learning how to play these patterns? You can move on to other drum lessons including the rock drumming grooves and rock drumming fills. Be sure you bookmark the drum lessons site before you leave.