Intro to 16th Snare Phrasing

So far, you’ve worked on sixteenth-note phrasing with the bass drum. This lesson explores sixteenth-note phrasing with the snare drum, as well as grooves that include both snare and bass drum phrasing.

Sixteenth-Note Phrasing with the Snare Drum

Sixteenth-note phrasing on the snare drum is often used as an embellishment technique while leaving the backbeat on “2” and “4.” Doing this allows you to maintain the general feel of the 8th beat with a little extra flair. See how this technique is used in Jumper—Third Eye Blind (1997).

Jumper – Third Eye Blind

Snare Displacement with Sixteenth-Note Phrasing

In lesson 3 you practiced displacing the snare with 8th beat grooves. You can also displace the snare to a sixteenth (i.e. on the “e” and/or “ah”). See how this technique is used in Soul To Squeeze—Red Hot Chili Peppers (1993).

Soul to Squeeze – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Sixteenth-Note Phrasing with Both the Snare Drum and Bass

The bass drum is often phrased in sixteenths to create a wide range of patterns. See how this technique is used in I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide ZZ Top (1979).

I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide – ZZ Top