Drum Beats

Drum beats have a tendency to stick in your brain.   But, before you start writing or playing your own beats, you need to understand how to read drum music.

If you find it easier to read music rather than play by ear, there are a lot of great books available that are full of nothing but beats. You may also consider browsing through some drum tabs for inspiration.

I’ve also created a short lesson on how to modify and create new beats from existing drum patterns and rudiments.

Drum Beat Books

I have also included links to looping software and drum set books.  Regardless of why you’re here, both will be helpful to you. 

Programmers can learn a lot from the many drum set beats included in the books and drummers can gain insight from the unique programmed drum tracks.

Check out the books and software below for tips on creating and playing beats.  And, if you are into creating beats on the computer, you might find the Virtual Drums page helpful.

If you are looking for some free beats to try out you should check out The Drum Notebook. 

I came across this website while browsing one of my favorite online drum forums.  The creator, Chris Weller (Dithyramb), has posted years and years worth of beats that he has created on his website. 

When inspiration strikes him, he grabs whatever is near(paper, napkins)and writes it all down.  So get to his website and try out some of the cool drum patterns and beats he made. Thanks again Chris.

look inside

Basic Rock Beats By Joel Rothman. For Drum. Published by Joel Rothman Publications (JR.JRP01) …more info

look inside

1001 Drum Grooves (The Complete Resource For Every Drummer). For drum set. Percussion. Instructional. Instructional book. Drum notation. 112 pages. Published by Cherry Lane Music (HL.2500337) (2) …more info

The titles above are just a small sample of the beat books available.  Find more drum beat books here and be sure to check out the drum lessons and beat making programs below.

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