Day 16: Introduction to Drums
Monday, April 13th, 2026
Warmup
Levels of Complexity on the Drums
Watch the Edpuzzle video where drummer Larnell Lewis breaks down the levels of complexity of the drum kit. Pay attention to the order he adds each part and how the beat builds.
As you watch, think about these questions:
- What is the first instrument he starts with? Why do you think he starts there?
- What does “backbeat” mean? Which drum plays the backbeat?
- What is a groove? What pieces come together to make one?
- What is the difference between an open and closed hi-hat?
After the video, take a moment to explore the Loop Library in GarageBand. Search for “drums” and listen to a few drum loops. Try to hear the kick, snare, and hi-hat in each one.
The video is on Edpuzzle. Login to clever first!
Work Session
Parts of the Drum Set
Mr. Willingham will walk through the parts of the drum set. Here are the main parts we will focus on:
- Kick (Bass Drum) — The deep, low sound that anchors the beat. Usually played on beats 1 and 3.
- Snare — The sharp, cracking sound that provides the backbeat. Usually played on beats 2 and 4.
- Hi-Hat — A pair of cymbals that keep a steady rhythm. Can be open (sloshy, sustained) or closed (tight, crisp).
We will also introduce:
- Crash Cymbal — Used for accents, often at the start of a new section.
- Ride Cymbal — Similar role to the hi-hat but with a different tone; common in jazz and rock.
- Toms — Melodic drums used in fills and transitions.
- Other accessories — Cowbell, tambourine, claps, and more.
Building a Beat from Loops
Instead of using a single pre-made drum loop, we are going to build a beat from scratch using individual loops for each part of the kit. Mr. Willingham will walk you through this process step by step.
Open the Loop Library
In GarageBand, click the loop icon in the top right. Search for individual drum sounds — try keywords like “hi-hat,” “kick,” “snare,” or “cymbal.”
Start with the hi-hat
Drag a hi-hat loop onto a track. This will be your steady pulse — the foundation of the groove.
Add the kick drum
Find a kick drum loop and drag it to a new track. Listen to how it locks in with the hi-hat. The kick usually hits on beats 1 and 3.
Layer in the snare
Add a snare loop on another track. The snare typically falls on beats 2 and 4 — the backbeat.
Listen and adjust
Solo and mute tracks to hear how each part contributes. Try swapping out a loop for a different one and notice how the feel changes.
Ideas to Try
- Swap the closed hi-hat for an open hi-hat loop — how does the energy change?
- Try a different kick pattern — what happens if the kick hits on every beat?
- Add a crash cymbal at the very beginning of your loop to mark the downbeat.
- Layer a shaker or tambourine on top of the hi-hat for extra texture.
Closing
What Did You Hear?
Before you pack up, think about this: the next time you listen to a song, try to pick out the kick, snare, and hi-hat individually. Once you start hearing them, you won’t be able to stop.
Tomorrow we will review drum sounds and start using a MIDI controller and the piano keyboard to trigger drum sounds directly.
Standards
- MSMTC8.CR.1 — Generate musical ideas for various purposes and contexts (exploring drum loops and identifying drum kit components).
- MSMTC8.CR.2 — Select and develop musical ideas for defined purposes and contexts (choosing and layering individual drum loops to build a complete beat).