The proficiency of working with the most popular and best drum patterns not only opens up new moods and feelings in your music, it also helps you start new projects and ideas quicker.
But what are the best drum patterns? What are the most common drum patterns you need to know? And how do you use them to break down genre barriers in your productions?
Here’s the basic Drum Patterns for Beginners and also some of the Popular Drum Patterns in Music:
1. Four on the floor
The four on the floor drum pattern is everywhere. It’s no accident that the first beat on this list is the most recognizable drum pattern in popular music. The quarter note kick drum pulse that gives this beat its name creates an irresistible groove at any tempo. Four on the floor is versatile, danceable and easy to build on.
2. The trap beat
No list of popular drum patterns would be complete without the trap beat—a drum pattern that’s no stranger to every corner of the charts these days. Clocking in around the 140 BPM mark, the heavily syncopated kicks create room for infinite trap hi-hat variations.The trap beat—a drum pattern that’s no stranger to every corner of the charts these days. This drum pattern is a go-to for moody bombast and rolling movement that’s the perfect match for melodic loop diggers.
3. The Bo Diddley beat
The Bo Diddley beat, invented by (you guessed it) Bo Diddley, gives songs a bouncy groove few other drum patterns can. This unique beat rides on a 3/2 feel that originated in Afro-Cuban music. The Bo Diddley beat excels at moderate to low tempo and gives songs a ‘throwback’ feel and tumbling momentum.
4. The two beat
The two beat is a straight-to-the-point, no-nonsense beat that works best at medium and high tempos. The pared-down pattern provides a driving dancy pulse to your tracks. The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights is a fantastic example of the two beat in action. The two beat is a straight-to-the-point, no-nonsense beat.
Contrary to its name the two beat is actually… one beat. The name two beat refers to the accenting of the second and 4th beats. The minimal metronomic march gives the rest of your track plenty of room to breath while providing some tasty drum drive to your tunes.
5. Boom-bap
An absolute hallmark of 90s golden age hip-hop, the boom-bap beat rose to prominence through crate digging and sampling or drum breaks from vintage vinyl. The boom-bap pattern is defined by its sixteenth-note kick and snare patterns and swung groove that draws the listener into the raw rhythm.
6. Dembow
First popularized on the Shabba Ranks track “Dem Bow”, the Dembow provides a hypnotic and danceable rhythm that’s still popular today including “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran and “Despacito”. The Dem Bow relies on groups of three, three and two to create its signature groove and works well at medium to high tempos accompanied by simple and repetitive melodic parts—great for writing dance beats that don’t rely on a backbeat.
7. Impeach the President
This famous drum break first appeared in the Honeydrippers song of the same name. It’s often hailed by drummers and percussion enthusiasts as one of the best drum patterns ever written. The Impeach the President pattern mixes equal parts texture, swing and syncopation. It’s versatile enough to work at different tempos.
Major artists including Billie Eilish and Alanis Morisette have used this beat to great effect. Even though it was first written in the 70s, it still works today across pop.
8. Iconic eighths
Arguably on the grooviest grooves to ever groove, iconic eighths masterfully employs syncopation to create space and anticipation all in one simple drum pattern.
Iconic eighths will give your track a joyful mood and brings out an infectious urge to bob your head as you listen along. Fantastic if you’re looking for that earworm effect on your next track.
9. 12/8 feel
It’s not often you think about emotion when it comes to drum patterns. That topic is usually reserved for vocals or melodies that cut right to the core. But 12/8 feel brings the emotion back to your drums.
12/8 feel is a pillar of some of the best ballads in music and as the name suggests, you really feel all twelve eighth notes. The lower the tempo, the greater the feel. Try 12/8 feel on next time you’re looking to write an epic tear-jerker or heartfelt anthem.
10. Shuffle feel
The shuffle feel drum pattern is common in jazz and blues music and gives a tough, driving feel to your tracks.
The distinct shuffle feel comes from removing the middle triplet which gives the pattern a rolling feel. Even though it originated in Jazz and Blues, the shuffle feel works in a wide range of tempo and can be found across many genres because of its ability to create momentum and groove.
Growing your drum pattern repository will help you discover new paths for your productions and be efficient in the studio when it comes to laying down drums across your projects.
Different music genres have distinct drum rhythms. That’s why the trick to acing your drum parts every time involves getting to know the various drum patterns used in each genre.
Drum patterns every producer should know:
1. Trap drum pattern
The trap drum pattern is characterized by its rhythmic complexity, heavy use of hi-hats, deep 808 kicks, and snappy snares. Start with a booming kick on beats 1 and 4, layer it with a tight snare on beats 3, and then introduce intricate hi-hat patterns. You can even experiment with quick hi-hat rolls and variations to create a sense of urgency and excitement.
2. Rock drum pattern
On the other hand, rock drum patterns are known for their straightforward yet dynamic structure. Begin with a solid kick and snare pattern, focusing on accentuating beats 2 and 4. Once you’ve got it down pat, introduce fills between phrases for added energy.
3. Funk drum pattern
Funk drum patterns rely heavily on syncopation and groove. Craft a funky drum pattern by emphasizing the 1 and adding ghost notes for a rhythmic bounce. Finish off the rhythm by sliding in some offbeat hi-hats, syncopated kicks, and snare hits on the 2 and 4 for that signature funk feel.
4. Jazz drum pattern
Jazz drumming is known for its improvisational nature. Create a jazz drum pattern by incorporating swing, varied dynamics, and cymbal work. For example, you can play a ride cymbal with swung 8th notes, experiment with dynamic kicks and snares, and use varied snare and tom fills for expressive flair.
5. Afrobeat drum pattern
Afrobeat drum patterns are characterized by their intricate polyrhythms and layered percussion, placing a strong emphasis on interlocking rhythms. To start, try creating depth and groove through the introduction of syncopated kick and snare patterns, emphasizing the offbeats. The addition of a shaker can fill in the spaces between the beats and enhance the overall groove of the rhythm.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with heightened complexity by incorporating percussion instruments such as congas and bongos.
6. Hip hop drum pattern
Punchy kicks, crisp snares, and creative hi-hat usage make up the foundation of the hip hop drum pattern. You’ll want to infuse some tight rhythmic elements. For example, have kicks on 1, 3 and 4, and snares on 2 and 4. Experiment with open hi-hats on the offbeats, punctuating with closed hi-hats for added emphasis, and adding 16th-note rolls for variation. Introduce quick snare rolls for additional dynamics.
7. House drum pattern
House music relies on a steady four-on-the-floor kick. Add dynamic hi-hats and snappy snares to create a compelling pattern. For instance, maintain a kick on every beat, place snares on 2 and 4, and incorporate consistent 8th or 16th notes on hi-hats, occasionally adding open hats for variation.
8. Reggae drum pattern
Reggae drum patterns focus on the offbeat, creating a laid-back feel. Start with a “one-drop” kick and snare emphasis. For example, place a kick on 3 for the one-drop effect, snares on 2 and 4, and hi-hats playing on the offbeat while emphasizing the upbeat.
Remember, these are just foundational rhythms! As you experiment, feel free to infuse your unique style to tailor these patterns according to the particular vibe and style of your track.