Rockin' the Ands
By Nate Brown
We often find ourselves in a straight-8th-note rut when it comes to playing the hi-hat. Step out of the rut with these 8 beats featuring an "and" ostinato on the hi-hat.
Each of these beats plays the hi-hat on only the "&s." In other words, the 1, 2, 3, and 4 are rested (or not played). This creates an up-beat, funky feel. It can be difficult to become comfortable playing this way at first, but the more you practice each beat, the more natural-feeling they will become.
In the audio example, the hi-hat is played with loose tension. These grooves also sound great with tight hi-hat tension or even fully open hi-hat. Have fun exploring!
