easy lesson

16th-Note Hi-Hat Groove

Sixteenth notes on the hi-hat create the busy, funky texture under funk and modern pop. Keep the tempo slow at first — it is the hi-hat hand that needs the practice.

Play it yourself — keyboard or your own kit

1. Play the hi-hat on all sixteen subdivisions: count '1-e-and-a, 2-e-and-a...'. Alternate hands if it helps. Keep it quiet and even.

2. Add the kick on beats 1 and 3.

3. Add the snare on beats 2 and 4 for a tight funk-pop groove.

Open the full drum machine →