How to Play a 6/8 Beat on Drums

Drummers use many standard counts while playing. The other players depend on the consistency of the drummer to keep the tune and beat. The typical count on drums is the 4-4 beat. To mix it up for Latin or many jazz and blues beats, employ the 6-8 beat.

Instructions

1. Practice playing one hand at a time. Play the 8 beats with one stick at a pace that is comfortable to you. Count as you play.

2. Move to the other hand and play the alternate 6 beats using the same pace of counting that you used for the opposite hand's 8 beats. You will eventually play with both hands at the same time, with one hand playing the eight beat and the other hand playing the six beat.

3. Watch a drummer playing a 6-8 beat to see this beat played with double timing. The expert takes the basic 6-8 and adds expression to it. The point is that you must have the basic beat down before adding any extras of your own. The whole band will wait for your lead and you cannot lose the 6-8 rhythms, no matter how fancy your add-ons become.

4. Add the bass with your foot on every third beat of the 6 count. Drumming requires maximum coordination between your feet and hands.

5. Listen to the basic beats on a drum machine if you are not taking lessons. Get a cheap drum machine and follow the patterns. Just turn the knobs to indicate the kinds of beats you are looking for, then listen and repeat. Follow along until you've got it without even thinking.