How to Play Swing Beats on Snare Drums

“It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing." Popularized in the 1920s and '30s, swing music is experiencing a resurgence. Swing dances are becoming a favorite of young and old. If you are a musician--especially a drummer--mastering that style of music is a must. The first step is learning to play swing beats on a snare drum.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basic knowledge of drum beats
• Some drumming experience

1. Understand there is a "feel" to swing dance music caused by a disparate tempo split. The first section is long and the next one is short. In essence, each quarter note, or beat, splits once, and the point of separation moves the beat back slightly.

2. Master the "swing ride pattern" of playing by hitting the bass drum on beats one, two and three and hitting the snare drum on beat four. Now play over the swing ride pattern by hitting the bass drum for beats one, two and four and the snare drum for beat three. Once you master the pattern at a comfortable tempo, increase it gradually.

3. Try another variation of the over the swing ride pattern by hitting your snare drum on the first beat and your bass drum on the three subsequent beats. Another option calls for hitting your bass on the first two beats and your snare drum on the last two.

4. Alternate beats between the bass and snare drums, hit the snare drum for three beats and the bass drum on the fourth, or try hitting the snare on one, two and four and the bass on beat three.

5. Take playing swing beats on your snare drum to the next level by adding your hi-hat and ride cymbals.

6. Practice your snare and bass drum coordination. Count out loud until you master the technique of the swing beat pattern.

Tips & Warnings

• Most swing beats are played with a snare and bass drums.