TOP 3 basic drum patterns to improve your playing
Jun 01, 2024Ready to get funky? If you're a beginner drummer looking to add some serious groove to your playing, you've come to the right place. In this post, we're breaking down 3 basic drum patterns that are the perfect starting point for any aspiring funk drummer.
These drum patterns are easy to learn but will instantly add that signature funk flavor to your playing.
Let's get started!
1st drum pattern
We're kicking things off with a super simple yet incredibly effective pattern: ghost notes on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th sixteenth notes, a basic kick drum on beat 1 and on the "and" of 3, and steady eighth notes on the hi-hat. This pattern is the foundation for countless funk grooves and is the perfect starting point for any aspiring funk drummer.
2nd drum pattern
Now let's switch things up with a beat that puts the kick drum in the spotlight. This pattern keeps the steady eighth notes on the hi-hat but introduces a syncopated kick drum pattern. You'll hit the kick on the backbeat and the last 16th note of beat 1, the "e" of beat 2, and the last two 16th notes of beat 3. This creates a driving, off-kilter feel that's quintessential funk. The snare drum comes in on beats 2 and 4, providing a solid backbeat to anchor the groove. Some ghost notes will make the drum pattern more dynamic.
3rd drum pattern
For our final beat, we're picking up the pace with sixteenth notes on the hi-hat. The kick drum pattern is simple but it gets a funky twist with a double kick: you'll play the fourth sixteenth note of beat 2 followed immediately by the downbeat of beat 3. The snare drum keeps the backbeat on 2 and 4 but adds a touch of flair with two consecutive ghost notes in both the first and third measures. These ghost notes fall on the second and third sixteenth notes of the beat, creating a subtle rhythmic complexity that adds depth to the groove.
Conclusions
These three basic drum patterns are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to funk drumming. By mastering these patterns and experimenting with variations, you'll be well on your way to developing your own unique funk style. Remember, funk is all about feeling the groove and letting loose. So, grab your sticks, put on some James Brown, and start jamming!
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