Section 2: Drums

How do I write drum rhythms to make people move?

Lesson Objectives

• I can name each part of the drum kit

• I can use a backbeat or a four-to-the-floor rhythm

• I can build an exciting drum groove

1. How do I play the drums?

Watch this video to learn the parts of the drum kit.

2. What makes a good rhythm?

It's a good idea to learn from an expert.

Watch this video to learn about the backbeat:

3. How do we make this in Song Maker?

Watch this video to see the backbeat recreated in Song Maker:

4. Over to you

Choose a difficulty and click below. Beginner (one spicy chilli 🌶) or Expert (two chillies 🌶🌶)

Choose a difficulty! Beginner (one spicy chilli 🌶) or Expert (two chillies 🌶🌶)

Beginner 🌶

Click this link to open Song Maker.

1. Make the backbeat rhythm you just learned.

   1. If you are stuck, go back and watch the video again.

2. Add some extra rhythms and off-beats to make it more interesting and original

3. Add notes (colours) above the drums, but concentrate on the drum rhythm: this has to be amazing today!

Expert 🌶🌶

Click this link to open Song Maker.

1. Make the backbeat rhythm you just learned.

   1. If you are stuck, go back and watch the video again.

2. Add some extra rhythms and off-beats to make it more interesting and original

   1. Your piece is 8 bars long.

   2. Compose a fill (more exciting, faster rhythm) at the end of every 4 bars and an even more exciting fill at the end of 8 bars.

3. Compose a riff using the notes above the drums. This should repeat every 2 bars.

Want extra inspiration? You could try adapting one of the Famous Drum Rhythms on the next page in this website.

4. Share your piece

🕑 5 minutes

1. In Song Maker, click on Save

2. Copy the link

3. Open Microsoft Teams and find our class Team

4. Start a new message and paste your link.

Watch the video below if you're confused.

5. Drums Quiz

🕑 5 minutes

Take the quiz by clicking here.

6. Challenge yourself

Finished everything above?

Click here to try the extension challenge.