Now, onto the drums. Good ol' drums.
Ok, so we've got a drum set and we're playing that drum set in the time signature 4/4 for two reasons, 1) it's really common, 2) it's a good starting point. Here's a 4/4 beat.
X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-----
----------------------
-----S--------S-------
-----------------------
O--------O-O----------
All the X's are hi-hats counting the 1/8 notes and the S's and O's represent the snares and kick drums alternating the 1/4 notes. Notice the second two O's and how there are two of them unlike the first one. These are not both 1/4 notes, but each a 1/8 note next to each other. And what do you get when you add two 1/8 notes together? 2/8 or in a simplified version 1/4 note.
Each X is merely halved versions of the S's and O's.
Here's a variation of a 4/4 beat
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
--------------------
---S----S----S----S
--------------------
O----O----O----O--
Now, despite the different positions and number of symbols, this is counting the same time signature, the X's are just counting 1/16 notes and the the S's and O's are doing 1/8 notes now. But when you total all those 1/8 notes up you equal 4/4.
Now, just for kicks, let's try a different time signature. I'm thinking 9/8 notes.
X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
--------------------
--S----S---S---S---
--------------------
O--------O---O----
Now, the X's are counting the main notation that the signature is in. That being 1/8 notes and the other drums are basically just multiplied versions of those 1/8 notes.
If you print this out you've got some good On-the-toilet reading material. Sorry for being lengthy and if any of it makes no sense just speak up.
The Gods Made Heavy Metal, And They Saw That It Was Good
They Said To Play It Louder Than Hell, We Promised That We Would
Hulk Smash!!
Whatever you do, don't eat limes. A friend of mine ate a lime once and BAM!! Two years later. Herpes.
They Said To Play It Louder Than Hell, We Promised That We Would
Hulk Smash!!
Whatever you do, don't eat limes. A friend of mine ate a lime once and BAM!! Two years later. Herpes.