Play it by the Numbers! |
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In this look at DrumSet techniques, everything is expressed in terms of duple or triple, that is, in 2’s or 3’s. Measures are defined as containing Primary Counts & Background Sub-divisions Primary Counts are either Strong or Weak The basic (duple / triple) units from which all measures are derived are: |
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The two-count measure (or unit) normally consists of a Strong first count followed by a Weak second count. |
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The three-count measure (or unit) normally consists of a Strong first count followed by a Weak second and third count. |
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A four-count measure normally consists of two duple units. In order for it to qualify as a four-count measure, the third & fourth counts must be different from the first & second counts. |
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A five-count measure has one duple and one triple unit. It can be configured either as a 2+3 or a 3+2 measure. Larger Primary Count measures are constructed similarly. |
 
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| Background Sub-divisions are grouped in 2’s or 3’s | |
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| A measure can have Even Counts (all duple or all triple) or Uneven Counts (mixed duple & triple). | |
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| While the BassDrum usually provides the strong count, and the SnareDrum/HiHat combination provides the weak count, the Cymbal pattern can be any combination of notes or rests in the background sub-division. | |
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The next page will show all of the basic strong & weak counts using the above elements for duple & triple sub-divisions. The cym pattern can be any of the ones shown above. |
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