Thriller – Michael Jackson – Main Groove

While the drum track to Thriller is a programmed track played by a drum machine, this groove is still a fun groove to play on an acoustic kit.
The syncopated open hi-hats played on the “ah” should be played just a little sloshy, hitting the edge of the hi-hat with the shoulder of the stick. Be sure to close the hi-hat on the next hi-hat stroke. This can be tough to get used to, but once you get it, it’s a great technique to add to your own grooves.
Listen to Thriller by Michael Jackson: