Getting Started with Sixteen-Beat Drumming
By Nate Brown
Sometimes when you need a more energetic feel, alternating sixteenth-notes on the hi-hat are just the thing called for. They're twice the speed of the standard 8th note ostinato, making the beat feel full of energy.
Below, there are four examples of sixteen beats. The first two have a standard back-beat on beats 2 and 4. The last two have a displaced back-beat on the "e" of beat 2 and some syncopated bass drum placements.
There are many combinations of sixteen beats, and some of them can be difficult to master. I've written a 36 page, coordination building ebook designed to take you from beginner to advanced 16 beat coordination, step-by-step. Learn more!
