How do you come up with a beat?

[NativeDrummer]

I'm curious as to how some people come up with their beats. I just kind of take what I know from other songs and alter it a little bit while mixing in my own material that I come up with just hitting drums trying to find something that sounds good.

[Chase David]

I pretty much do what you said.  However, if I'm learning a cover, I follow the bass line.  To add my own "take" on it, I'll throw in a ghost note or two.  If the song is "known" for it's drum beat or fills, I try to stick with the original.

If I want to come up with something on my own, I listen to as much different styles of music and drumming as I can.  I then take bits and pieces and put them togeather.  In essence, I let my imagination be my guide.

[drums77]

paradiddles!!!!!! substitute some of the hands for the foot and open hi hat...there you go..millions of drums beats....

[ItsTheBasiX]

i just play whatever fits with the song and makes it groove.

[patch]

I just try to do what I "hear" in the song and what I think works well.