How To Play Any Drum Beat #2 — Triplet Bass Drum Patterns

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In the previous lesson in this series we looked at quaver and semiquaver (eight and sixteenth) bass drum patterns, and as the title suggests, in this lesson we’re moving on to triplets.

Every exercise is two beats long and contains the same ride line, a hi-hat on each downbeat and a snare on beat 2. A different triplet based rhythm played on the bass drum in each exercise.

If you haven’t played triplets before take them slowly as they’re going to sound and feel strange to play at first. You’ll want to count either “1 trip let 2 trip let” or “1 + a 2 + a”.

Here’s how to practice these exercises:

1. Count the rhythm of the exercise you’re working on. I’ve written out the triplet count for the rhythm below each exercise to help you. I suggest emphasising the notes you’ll be playing as you’re counting. For example, exercise 4 would be “1 trip let 2 trip let” or “1 + a 2 + a”. If you struggle with any of the rhythms, try adding the bass drums to this Groove Scribe template and hit play!

2. Practice each exercise individually. Focus on the rhythm you’re playing on the bass drum and how it relates to the downbeat. By only playing our hi-hat on the downbeats we’re helping to reinforce this relationship. As always, practice to a metronome!

3. Gradually increase the tempo, but don’t force it. Focus on how you’re playing, and keep your leg muscles relaxed.

4. Once you can play each pattern comfortably, pair them up. You can also try chopping up the exercises. Combining beat 1 from one exercise with beat 2 from another. For example here’s a groove combining both 5 and 8.

In the next lesson we’re going to switch our attention to hi-hat and ride patterns.

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👉 Download Worksheet / How I Write Drum Notation