The musician plays 4 solid quarter notes on the bass drum in the Steppers reggae drum beat style, resulting in a strong driving pulse beat. A Rockers Reggae Drum Beat.įor this reggae drum beat style, beat one and beat three is where the emphasis is laid, which is typified in Gregory Isaac’s song titled “Night Nurse.” Also, included in the Rockers Beat is the syncopated counter rhythm, typified in songs such as the “Sponji Reggae” – The Black Uhuru music.

Often, Barret employed uncommon triplet figures when playing the hi-hat, which is typified in “Running Sway” – Marley’s album titled “Kaya”. You will gain more insight about this style by checking out Bob Marley and The Wailer’s “One Drop”. This style’s invention is the idea and concept of Carlton Barrett. Often you will find that you do not hit beat one, which is the reverse of majority of regular music out there. This reggae drum beat style lays emphasis on the bar’s 3rd beat, and the bass and snare drum played jointly. When it comes to learning reggae drumming, you will need to master three major drum beat styles: Three Main Reggae Drum Beat Styles to Master. These general guidelines are just what you need to establish your patterns on. The important thing is to ensure the emphasis is on the 3rd beat. You can place the kick and snare anywhere you prefer within the pattern. Using the snare to play the bass drum on beat 3 establishes this back beat. You can choose to play the grooves straight or employ a triplet swing feel. When it comes to reggae, the third beat is where the emphasis is laid, contrary to the 2 and 4 in terms of popular or regular music. Reggae drumming requires the drumming enthusiast to reason in a different manner concerning the beat’s primary pulse.

No More Heartaches was released by The Beltones, while the brain behind Nanny Goat was Laryy Marshal. The release of the initial bona fide reggae records was in the wake of 1968 “No More Heartaches” and “Nanny Goat”. The transition to reggae from Rocksteady was demonstrated by the organ shuffle, led by musicians from Jamaica such as Winston Wright and Jackie Mittoo. Reggae evolved from Ska as well as Rocksteady in the 60s. Reggae can be quite fun and has become a widely sought-after style among drummers. Although it is used sometimes in a general sense in terms of most types of well-known and widely accepted Jamaican dance rhythms or music, reggae as a term more appropriately refers to a specific style of music that was influenced strongly by traditional calypso and mento music, including American Jazz, blues, and rhythms. Reggae as a music genre can be traced back to Jamaica in terms of its origin, as far back as the 60s.

Reggae drum kit notation