How to Do Basic Rock Patterns on Drums

The rock pattern is one of the easiest patterns to understand when you're learning how to play drums. You don't even have to be a drummer to understand the elements of the rock pattern. From beginner to professional, if you can count to four, you can grasp the basic rock pattern. These steps will help you understand add a little flavor to the basic beat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Drum sticks
• Metronome

1. Take a seat on the stool and get into a comfortable position to play drums. The right foot should be on the bass drum kick pedal and the left should be on the hi-hat pedal.
2. Remember to keep good posture. The back should be straight and the arms should bend at the elbow to form a 90-degree angle. When at the angle, the hands should extend just above the top of the snare drum.
3. Count to four: 1-2-3-4. Yes, it really is that simple.
4. Transfer the counting into playing a rock pattern by striking a closed hi-hat on each number. So, you're hitting the hi-hat on 1-2-3-4.
5. Implement the bass drum and snare. Kick the bass drum on 1 and 3 and hit the snare drum with the left stick on 2 and 4. The rock pattern should be counted like this: 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and.
6. Keep in mind that while playing the bass and snare on their respective numbers, the hi-hat is played on every number as well as the in between "and."
7. Continue that beginner rock pattern. As you continue to play drums and master the basic rock pattern, you can vary the numbers in which the snare and bass drums are played. For example, play the bass drum on 1, 2, 4 and the snare on 3. There are many options available. Try them all.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a metronome to help get the correct timing. Count along with the metronome first and then begin playing the rock pattern on the drum kit.