Now we will expand our knowledge of rock beats and learn to play some variations of the basic 8th note beat.
Note: Again, play each exercise over and over without stopping. Practice at different speeds.Please watch the video for a demonstration of each beat.
The first beat is similar to the beat performed on “Beverly Hills” by Weezer. Notice in this example how the bass drum follows the guitar and electric bass groove. This is quite common, though not always the case.
The next beat is similar to Louie Louie or Wild Thing. You’ll notice that the beat does change some as the song progresses. If you just stick with this basic beat for now you’ll find it works pretty well with the song though.
This beat is similar to Taking Care Of Business by B.T.O. Again in this song, you’ll find that the bass drum follows the guitar and electric bass groove almost exactly.
The next beat is similar To Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison. In this example, the bass drum follows the electric bass. Notice that the guitar plays a part that’s more independent from the drums and electric bass, but it still all works together to create one groove.
This last example is similar to Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett. In this example the guitar plays a part pretty independent of the drums and electric bass. The electric bass is basically playing the same thing as the bass drum, with an additional note on count 4.
In the next section we’ll play these rock beats with a rhythm section.
The next beat is similar to Louie Louie or Wild Thing. You’ll notice that the beat does change some as the song progresses. If you just stick with this basic beat for now you’ll find it works pretty well with the song though.
This beat is similar to Taking Care Of Business by B.T.O. Again in this song, you’ll find that the bass drum follows the guitar and electric bass groove almost exactly.
The next beat is similar To Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison. In this example, the bass drum follows the electric bass. Notice that the guitar plays a part that’s more independent from the drums and electric bass, but it still all works together to create one groove.
This last example is similar to Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett. In this example the guitar plays a part pretty independent of the drums and electric bass. The electric bass is basically playing the same thing as the bass drum, with an additional note on count 4.
In the next section we’ll play these rock beats with a rhythm section.