Lesson Four: Doubling Up Your Hi-Hat Beats

Hello everyone, Max Sedgley here as part of the musicgurus.com Back to Basics Drumming Lessons. Today is lesson four, where we're going to deal with doubling up your hi-hat beats.

Overview

• Transition from 8 hi-hat hits in a bar to 16.
• Two methods of execution depending on your music style.
• Mastering both techniques will enhance your playing.

Method One: Alternate Hands on the Hi-Hat

1. Basic Count:

   • Count your four beats: 1, 2, 3, 4.
   • Recall that in lessons one, two, and three, we practiced 8 beats on the hi-hat:
     • 1, 2, 3, 4.
   • In this lesson, we will now perform 16 beats:
     • 1, 2, 3, 4. 1, 2, 3, 4.

2. Counting Technique:

   • It's helpful to split the count into four groups:

     • Before:
       • 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and.
     • Now:
       • To fill in those gaps for 16 beats:
       • 1E and A, 2E and A, 3E and A, 4E and A.

   • Example:

     • 1E and A, 2E and A, 3E and A, 4E and A.

   • Understand that when you speed up, verbal counting may become impractical, but the internal count is crucial.

3. Hand Placement:

   • Use alternate hands:
     • Right hand on the hi-hat, left hand moving to the snare.
   • Example of Basic Beat:
     • Instead of your left hitting it, now your right hand plays the snare:
       • 1e and a 2e and a 3e and a 4e and a.

4. Practice Tips:

   • Start slowly and gradually build speed.
   • Focus on evenness and coordination between hands.
   • Integrate the kick drum once comfortable, ensuring no flamming occurs.

5. Additional Techniques:

   • Feel free to incorporate fills and cymbal hits.
   • Experiment with opening and closing the hi-hat.

Method Two: Right-Hand Hi-Hat

1. Single Stroke Roll:

   • Perform all beats on the hi-hat with your right hand.
   • The single stroke roll is again vital for developing speed.

2. Practice:

   • Begin slowly, then build up speed.
   • Maintain even spacing:
     • 1e and a 2e and a 3e and a 4.

3. Adding Components:

   • Once you've got the hi-hat down, bring the kick and snare into play.
   • Understand limitations in speed; switch to the alternate method if necessary.
   • Apply accents to enhance feel:
     • Accent the first and third notes, lower volume on the second and fourth.

Final Thoughts

• Start by achieving a smooth, even sound at a comfortable tempo.
• Remember, once you are comfortable with either method, begin incorporating fills and other variations.
• Familiarize yourself with moving around the kit, enhancing both your technique and performance.

That's it for this lesson. Keep practicing, and you'll develop the coordination and speed needed for effective drumming. Happy drumming!