easy lesson

Cross-Stick Ballad Groove

For quiet songs, lay the stick across the rim and head for a soft, woody 'click' — the cross-stick — instead of a full snare. It is the heartbeat of every gentle ballad.

Play it yourself — keyboard or your own kit

1. Play the cross-stick on beats 2 and 4: rest the tip on the head and tap the rim with the shaft of the stick.

2. Add gentle eighth-note hi-hats.

3. Add a soft kick on beats 1 and 3 for a complete ballad groove.

Open the full drum machine →