Lesson 73 of 114DrumsBeginner

Example 1 - Eighth-Note Snare

Sophie Alloway adds eighth notes to the snare as part of a two-bar drum fill, with a count-in so you can play it back yourself.

Part of the courseRockschool Drums Method for Beginners114 lessons (3h 47m)

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Sophie AllowayYour guruSophie Alloway

What's in the course

114 lessons (3h 47m) · 1 free
    • 01. Indie - Introduction to the Style

      1:26

    • 02. Example 1 - Resting on Beat Three

      1:01

    • 03. Example 2 - More Variations

      1:00

    • 04. Example 3 - Coordinating the Limbs

      2:16

    • 05. Bonus Exercise 1

      1:10

    • 06. Bonus Exercise 2

      0:50

    • 07. Indie Lesson 1 Summary

      0:25

    • 08. Indie Checkpoint - Mallets

      2:46

    • 09. Indie Lesson 2 - Introducing 8th Note Bass Drum and Snare

      1:25

    • 10. Example 1 - Eighth-Note Snare

      You are here

      1:36

    • 11. Example 2 - Eighth-Note Bass Drum

      1:04

    • 12. Example 3 - Eighth Note Phrase

      0:59

    • 13. Example 4 - 'Big Mouth' Bars 1-4

      1:48

    • 14. Bonus Exercise 1

      0:38

    • 15. Bonus Exercise 2

      0:59

    • 16. Indie Section Summary

      0:34

Lesson transcript

Example One: Adding Eighth Notes on the Snare

In this lesson, we're going to add eighth notes on the snare. Here’s how it works:

  • Drum Fill Timing:

    • We will not play eighth notes all the way through a bar, but as part of a drum fill.
  • Pattern Structure:

    • This is a two-bar pattern.
    • I will play two bars, followed by a whole bar of rest.
    • Then, there will be a one-bar count-in before it's your turn to play.
  • Playing Sequence:

    • After your chance to play, I will perform it again.
    • Finally, you will have the opportunity to do it one more time.

Counting Structure

1, 2, 3, 4.
1, 2, 3, 4.
1, 2, 3, 4.
1, 2, 3, 4.

Hopefully, you had a chance to practice your counting.

Preparation Notes

I should have warned you that the eighth notes are coming after a quarter note.

  • Prepare for Eighth Notes:
    • To better prepare for those notes in your counting, try counting:
      • 1 and 2 and 3 and 4

This will give you a little more time to prepare for the next bar.

  • Remember, there is a count-in, but it's always good to keep track of where we are with our counting!

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Meet your guru

Sophie Alloway

Sophie Alloway

Sophie Alloway is a session and touring drummer at the heart of the London jazz scene. She has performed with Jason Rebello, Yazz Ahmed, Laurence Cottle and Tony Allen, and notably played for Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace shortly before he became King.

Touring credits include Roots Manuva, the Thriller musical and Paul Stacey (Oasis / The Black Crowes). She is also the drummer in original fusion band Lydian Collective, with over six million Spotify streams.

Sophie has recorded sessions at Abbey Road, AIR and Angel studios, and her television appearances include Later… with Jools Holland, Glastonbury and two series of Adrian Dunbar’s drama Ridley. She is featured on Abbey Road Masters: The Drum Sessions and performed for the BBC Young Jazz Musician 2024 finalists, broadcast on BBC TV and Radio. Jon Newey of Jazz FM dubbed her the “goddess of groove”.

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