Subdividing quarter notes into eighth notes, sixteenth notes and triplets is an essential skill in music. A quarter note receives one beat in most common time signatures, while an eighth note receives half of a beat. This means that two eighth notes fit into the same amount of time as one quarter note while 4 sixteenth notes take up the same amount of space. Eighth note triplets are a division of 3. This may sound mundane and menial to many musicians but it serves as a key foundational tool to anyone playing a musical instrument and is an essential first step for drummers.
Musicians often count eighth notes as “1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and.” The numbers represent the main beats, and the word “and” represents the upbeats. This counting method helps to keep a steady articulation and play notes accurately. Practising with a metronome is key.
One of the things I repeatedly stress to students is the value in playing smooth transitions. This can mean moving from one section of a composition to another, navigating a rhythmic change, moving to a new key signature, etc. Developing an unwavering sense of subdivision on a foundational level improves this as well as timing and independence (As drum nerds like to say…). As stated, this serves as the essential first step for my drum set students. Whether playing an instrument, singing, or reading music, understanding how quarter notes divide into eighth notes builds a strong foundation and fluid application for more advanced rhythms and phrases on the snare drum and drum set.
In addition to my own materials, I recommend Syncopated Rolls For The Modern Drummer by Jim Blackley. Available at Dave’s Drum Shop in Ottawa and Drumland in Toronto.
