Lesson 23 of 114DrumsBeginner

Example 2 - Resting on Beat 1

Explore the challenge of starting bars with a rest on beat 1. Sophie demonstrates how to confidently enter on beat 2 while maintaining consistent timing and groove precision.
Part of the courseRockschool Drums Method for Beginners114 lessons (3h 47m)

This lesson is part of the full course. 1 lesson is free to watch.

from$13/month

Explore the course
Cancel anytime30-day refund
Sophie AllowayYour guruSophie Alloway

What's in the course

114 lessons (3h 47m) · 1 free
    • 01. Pop - Adding the Hi-Hat

      1:31

    • 02. Example 1 - Quarter Notes on Hi-Hat

      1:40

    • 03. Example 2 - Resting on Beat 1

      You are here

      1:42

    • 04. Example 3 - Two Consecutive Quarter Note Rests

      1:28

    • 05. Bonus Exercise 1

      1:11

    • 06. Bonus Exercise 2

      1:10

    • 07. Pop Lesson 2 Example 1 - Combining the Hi-Hat & Snare

      1:11

    • 08. Example 2 - Moving Quickly Between Drum Voices

      1:17

    • 09. Example 3 - Two Drum Voices in One Bar

      0:59

    • 10. Example 4 - Take It to the Top Bars 1-4

      1:10

    • 11. Bonus Exercise 1

      1:08

    • 12. Bonus Exercise 2

      1:04

    • 13. Pop Music Section Summary

      0:51

Lesson transcript

Resting on Beat One

In this section, we'll explore the technique called resting on beat one.

Key Points

  • Sometimes, there can also be a rest on beat three.
  • We haven't focused on a rest on beat one prior to this lesson.
  • It can be really difficult to have nothing happening at the beginning of a bar and then confidently come in at beat two.

Practice Opportunity
This is a great opportunity for practice!

Varying the Sticking

To add some variation to our sticking technique, I'll choose to use double strokes here, which includes the rest.

  • For example, when there's a rest on beat three, I'll pretend to play it with my left hand, even though I’m not, to keep it varied. This way, you're not seeing the same pattern every time.

Practice Plan

  1. I will play through the four bars once.
  2. Then, you will play it back.
  3. I will play through it again, using my double strokes.

Let’s begin:
1, 2, 3, 4, SA.

$13/monthSubscription

114 lessons

3h 47m of structured video lessons

Advanced video features

Slow down, loop a passage, follow along

Mobile, tablet & desktop

Practise wherever you are

100% satisfaction guarantee

30-day money-back guarantee

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”.

Sophie Alloway
Pat Levett
Joe Glossop
Frank Doll
Katie Melua
Ed O'Brien
Imogen Heap
Adam Mishan
Chet Atkins

Learn from Sophie Alloway and hundreds of others

Unlimited access, money back guaranteed

$13/month

Subscription