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:

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Relevant Note(s): Secondary Percussion