2.2 | Drum Groove Writing

 
 

Learn

When a drummer plays a new groove, they hear it in their head first. Actively listening, singing, and playing grooves from different songs develops this skill. Drum patterns can also be written using the rules grooves tend to follow.

  • Practice singing along to drum grooves in the music you listen to using sounds that feel comfortable to you.

  • Find new ideas and sing along to the drum tracks on This Spotify Playlist →.

Hearing Grooves

  • Listen to the drum loop on Soundtrap and create a groove by vocalizing a drum part.

  • Record yourself speaking the groove.

  1. Add new track > Voice + Microphone Track.

  2. Turn the reverb down.

  3. Record yourself speaking the drum part by clicking the record button.

  4. Listen back and change if needed.

 
 

Transcription

 

 

Transcription is being able to play and write what you hear. Copying music you like is the best way to get it in your playing and compositions.

  • Find a song you like or choose one from the transcription examples below.

  • Listen for the drum groove until you can pick out different instruments in the recording.

  • Repeat the groove until you can sing the groove with and without the recording.

  • Write the drum groove down on the Drum Groove Transcription Organizer →.

Writing Grooves

  • Drum grooves can be written by ear or by following guidelines.

  • The Anatomy Of A Groove video shows how to write a basic groove using these guidelines.

  • Write a drum groove using eighth note, eighth note triplet, or sixteenth note subdivisions on
    the Drum Groove Writing Organizer →.

  • If you need more help, watch the Project Walkthrough Video →.

Practice and record your groove on Soundtrap

  • Add a drum + beat track.

  • Arm the track + make sure the metronome is on.

  • Record four measures of your drum groove followed by two measures of the kick drum playing on every beat.

  • Quantize your recording to the correct subdivision.

 
 

Advanced Grooves

 

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