How to Play a 4/4 Beat on Drums

Drummers need to have great timing because they keep time for the rest of the band. Start with the rock beat called the 4/4 beat. Most drum beats come from this basic beat. The 4/4 is the time signature, indicating 4 beats per measure.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make sure you have a feel for the drums and sticks. Remember to relax. Things can get confusing in the beginning as it seems like your arms, legs and mind are all going in different directions.

2. Count like a drummer. The 4/4 beat goes like this: 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and. The numbers represent your main beats--quarter notes; "and" represents the eighth notes. Count evenly and out loud.

3. Locate the hi-hat cymbals mounted on a foot pedal, but ignore the pedal for now. Instead strike the hi-hat with the stick in your dominant hand (usually right) while you count. Strike the hi-hat at every number and "and" that you recite.

4. Add the bass drum (sometimes called the kick drum) after you're comfortable with the hi-hat. Use the foot pedal to engage the mallet on your largest drum when the numbers "1" and "3" come around.

5. Get your left (or non-dominant) hand ready to join in. Its job is to hit the snare drum, normally at your left side, when you say the numbers "2" and "4."

6. Sum up the 4/4 beat like this: 1 (hi-hat; bass drum)--and (hi-hat)--2 (hi-hat; snare)--and (hi-hat)--3 (hi-hat; bass)--and (hi-hat)--4 (hi-hat; snare)--and (hi-hat).

7. Use a metronome to help you keep time. If you don't have one, download a metronome program from the Internet. If you find that you're tensing up, slow down the metronome until you can perform the beat in a relaxed manner.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice the 4/4 beat every day, even it's just for 5 minutes.
• If you play drums left-handed, you might need to rearrange your drum set for easier access.
• Look for 4/4 beats when you listen to rock songs. Tap out the 4/4/ time during the song.