easy lesson

Master the Backbeat

The backbeat — the snare on beats 2 and 4 — is the single feature that makes people clap and nod along. Lock it in and almost any groove will feel good.

Play it yourself — keyboard or your own kit

  1. Play just the snare on beats 2 and 4. Feel how strongly it pulls your body into the rhythm.

  2. Add the kick on beats 1 and 3 underneath.

  3. Top it with steady eighth-note hi-hats.

Open the full drum machine →