Weekly Drum Lesson: Double Beat

Hello, drummers! For today's lesson, we're going to be looking at a classic one-handed exercise called "Double Beat." So, I've injured my right hand, and many people mistakenly believe that when they can't use one hand, they can't practice, when in fact one-handed exercises are one of the best ways of refining your technique. Not to mention the fact you can still work on rhythm, timing, and coordination, using the other three limbs. This is a not only a great technique builder, but touches on a very important rhythmic concept, as well.

This particular exercise is unique because of its polyrhythmic nature. We have a very simple pattern consisting of 3 steps, which goes, "Note, Note, Rest." When we play this with the metronome, we're going to have it give us quarter notes, which we’ll then divide into 4 to make it 16th notes. And we end up with this 3 step cycle that we play, juxtaposed against the 4 note cycle of the clicks. Once we play 4 doubles, the overall pattern repeats. Meanwhile, the metronome has clicked 3 quarter notes.  

Regarding technique, make sure you play each note as a rebound stroke for maximum efficiency. If you’re not sure what the rebound stroke is, please see my other video about basic stroke types.

Typically this exercise is played in 4/4. So to do that, we have to add an ending that occupies an extra beat. And that's going to be two 8th notes. So this is going to be its final form.

I hope this video has helped you learn a new rhythm, or perhaps just gain a better understanding of how it works.

If you’re not already a student, and you found this video helpful, please consider signing up for in-person drum lessons. In case you’re not in the Toronto area, I also teach privately online. Use the form below to sign up for a FREE TRIAL lesson!