Core Drums
The Metronome
The Drums are the heart of dance music, they are the metronome which the listener follows.
With a good predictable drum foundation you can add more complexity to the track without loosing the listener.
"Danceability" / "Listenability"
Usually the Kick Drum is used on the Downbeat and the Hi-hat on the Upbeat
Think of it like when you're nodding your head along a beat, you're usually nodding your head down on the Kick Drum, the Downbeat, and up again on the Hi-hat/Upbeat.
- Kick Drum aka. Bass Drum
- This is the lowest and main drum
- It is the warmest and fullest
- It controls the dance floor
- Hi-hat
- There are open and closed hi-hats
- Closed hi-hats are very snappy
- Open hi-hats resonates for longer
- Together they form the common 'boom-tiss-boom-tiss' groove
- Midrange (usually a Snare, Clap, or Rip Shot)
- This is in the middle, between the main drums (Kick Drum and Hi-hat)
- It's used to create a splash of energy
- In basic House music it falls on every second Drum Kick creating the common 'boom-tiss-kccch-tiss' groove:
Relevant Note(s): Secondary Percussion