Drum Set Exercise: Bass Drum 16th Patterns

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This exercise takes a basic rock groove and goes through all 15 possible 16th note-based patterns on the bass drum.  For beginning players, you should play each measure several times in a row until you have it down solidly.  This will help you build a strong sense of 16th note timing on the bass drum.  For more experienced players, this exercise will serve as good practice for changing bass patterns quickly.

The final line serves to give a satisfying conclusion to the exercise.  The final three beats are written with slash notation.  You can either give yourself a rest or create your own fills as you repeat the exercise.

To make this exercise groove, it’s essential to keep steady time.  The final few measures are certainly the most difficult, so it’s important that you do not start the exercise too fast—or your foot will struggle to keep up at the end.  Pay careful attention to keeping every note in alignment.  Ultimately, each measure should groove, and you should have fun with it!