Part 4 · Rock Grooves · Chapter 49

Quarter-Note Hi-Hat

At slow tempos, eighth notes on the hi-hat can sound busy. Playing quarter notes on the hi-hat opens up the groove and is common in ballads.

EXAMPLE 49.1Quarter-note groove
TEMPO
EXAMPLE 49.2With kick on the &
TEMPO

Longer notes, fatter soundTIP

With fewer notes, each one matters more. Let the snare ring and don’t rush the space between the beats.

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