Basics: Writing Drums
If want to write full songs, you're probably going to need drums, especially if you're writing rock or metal. The good news is, even if you know nothing about drums, you can still write solid, usable parts with a few basic concepts.
Today we're going over these basic concepts so you can start understanding the power drums have in a song and start bringing your music to life.
Cymbals Keep the Time
Cymbals can add texture, control intensity, and emphasize certain parts, but if you're not sure what you're doing, it's best to stick to their main purpose. Keeping time. Until you get the hang of writing drums, think of the cymbals as your metronome.
Which cymbals you use depends on the style of the song and the part you're writing.
To keep things simple, start with hi-hats or a crash. Begin by placing a hit on every quarter note (1/4) and play it back.
If it feels too slow, try eight notes (1/8).
If that's still too slow, go for sixteenth notes (1/16).
Play around with subdivisions until you find the pulse that feels right for the part.
Snare Defines the Groove
The snare drum gives the beat its groove. If you've ever headbanged or clapped along with a song, you were probably doing it to the beat of the snare.
Most of the time, the snare hits on beats 2 and 4. This is called the backbeat, and it gives many grooves a steady, familiar feel. For a more laid-back vibe, try placing the snare on beat 3 instead.
To keep things simple, start by placing the snare on 2 and 4. Play it back and see how it feels.
Then try moving it so it only hits on beat 3. Compare the two and notice how the groove changes.
Go with whatever feels best for your song.
Kick Drives the Rhythm
The kick drum gives the rhythm its momentum. It works with the bass guitar to provide the low-end punch that pushes the groove forward and define its feel. When the kick and bass lock in, they create a tight and powerful rhythmic foundation.
There are a few ways to go about writing a kick pattern. One option is to place a kick on beat 1, then experiment by adding hits on other beats to see how it affects the feel.
My preferred method is to start by placing a kick for every note the bass guitar plays. If a bass note lands on a snare hit, skip the kick there. Once you've matched the kicks to the bass, play it back and see how it sounds. From there, add or remove kicks until you find the right drive for your rhythm.
Experiment
Now that you've got a basic beat down, play around with it. Move the kicks. Change which beat the snare lands on. Add extra cymbal hits for emphasis. Remove hits. Add toms. Try some fills. There's so much you can do once the foundation is laid. Have fun and experiment to find what sounds good to you.
A few things you should keep in mind:
Mime the part: Even if you can't play drums, try physically miming it. This helps you figure out where to place emphasis, where fills might go, and what's actually playable.
Drummers only have four limbs: If you want your part to sound realistic, keep this in mind. You shouldn't have things like two crashes and a snare hit at the same time. Miming can help you avoid writing parts that would require a third hand or foot.
Vary the velocity: Real drummers don't hit everything with the same force. Some hits are louder, some are softer. Adjusting the velocity makes even a basic beat feel more dynamic and real.
This is Just The Beginning
Drums might seem simple at first. They keep the time and hold down the rhythm. But once you start working with them, you realize how complex and expressive they really are. This is just the beginning of your journey. From here, you can learn more about fills, ghost notes, flams, rolls, and all kinds of drum rudiments.
What do you struggle most when it comes to writing songs? Share your song writing struggles in the comments below. And, if you want to improve your skills with one on one advice, feedback, or training, book a free call HERE.
-Anthony