Constructing a groove

When we listen to pro drummers play a groove, it may sound at times very complicated. Chances are, the core of their grooves will be a simple rhythmic idea that relates to the music being played. If we first find the “core” of the groove, then we too can build upon it to make it sound interesting and/or complex.

The first step is to listen to the bass player. In funk or rock music, many times the drummers’ kick drum will coincide with the bass players rhythm.

Our first groove can be played as such

Kick Drum- Pattern #1

Hi Hat- Eighth notes

Snare Drum- 2 and 4

Now this groove is starting to sound interesting. Let’s change the Hi Hat pattern to broken sixteenths.

Kick Drum- Pattern #1

Hi Hat- Broken sixteenths

Snare Drum- 2 and 4

Wow, that is really grooving heh!?

Let’s spice things up by adding some ghosted notes on the snare drum and an open hi hat.

Kick Drum- Pattern #1

Hi Hat- Broken sixteenths

Snare Drum- 2 and 4 with ghosted notes

In the next groove, instead of playing the accented snare drum (otherwise known as a “back beat”) on beat 2, we will move it to the “a of 1”. Lets make this a 2 bar phrase.

Remember, the most important thing to keep in mind when you are constructing a groove, IT MUST COMPLEMENT THE MUSIC YOU ARE PLAYING! If your groove does not allow the music to sound good, you MUST find another groove that works better. In most instances, simplicity is beauty.