10 Beginner Drum Beats | Go From "No" To "Pro"

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Subscribe to my channel or I'll steal your cymbals: bit.ly/2AyH1Fb Go here to download the sheet music: bit.ly/2xhpweF Over the years, I have found it incredibly useful to have a bag full of drum beats that just WORK in a variety of situations. In this lesson, I break out 10 easy drum beats that you can learn and begin using NOW. 5 Drum Fills That WORK: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5vMZIFrpqyKa5o Sometimes as a drummer, it's nice to have some drum beats that you can pull out in a variety of situations that just WORK. I remember as a beginner drummer that I loved to find drum beats that worked with songs that I knew. So here's a quick lesson on 10 Drum Beats That WORK. Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

@Eman Drummer thank you Eman!

[@rob_bright_drummer2023]

I requested the PDF for the drum beats yesterday afternoon but nothing has come through yet?

[@muenchhausenmusic]

Great stuff, Stephen! As a drum teacher, these songs in which the easy beats are being used is something that I'm always looking for. As you often say, we want the students to play actual music asap, instead of being stuck on exercises forever. How awesome of you to share the fruits of your preparation work for free! I'm considering buying one of your courses out of sheer gratefulness 😄 Have a good one!

[@markdemell3717]

You can have my cymbals ,haha. This really helped ,it reminded me to stop overthinking and just let go and play.Merci Beaucoup Stephen.

[@NotTyNope]

What kind of snare head is on the batter side? It has like a vintage sounding tone almost and i like it!

[@astrosquirrel5038]

Even after 22 years these are still beats I come back to time and time again. They really do work and fit nearly any genre!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Totally agree

[@tbonez858]

You can spend 10,000 hours becoming an expert and the vast majority of us end up playing these beats 90% of the time...

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

The trick is being able to play these grooves at an expert level. There's a reason people hire Steve Jordan, Vinnie, or Nir Z to play these exact grooves when most beginner drummers can play them. There's a lot of beauty in simplicity.

[@luketurveydrums4358]

tbonez858 unless you’re Zach hill then your playing consists of exclusively fills haha

[@tbonez858]

@@StephenTaylorDrums - Agree 100%. I've been playing for 25 years and after recording my shows I still have a LOT of work to do - LOL Thanks for the videos- They are great!

[@vallaindigital]

Except for Carl Palmer

[@LucefieD]

For sure, after watching these vids I hear these basic beats in everything.

[@teenage.diirtbag]

1st beat (1:28) 2nd beat (3:07) 3rd beat (4:51) 4th beat (6:28) 5th beat (7:50) 6th beat (9:32) 7th beat (10:58) 8th beat (12:13) 9th beat (13:33) 10th beat (14:58)

[@swinzo]

Thank you very much 🤝

[@I_am_not_adiel]

Thanks

[@nulev]

Great

[@KyleKalevra]

I’ve played bass and guitar since 1984, and today is my first day with my first drum set. This lesson kicked ass. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@sjhippie]

How’s it going so far? I’m in the same boat. Just about to buy my first kit to start.

[@scottyrocket9]

Great lesson! A far more experienced drummer taught me that drumming is a service commitment, service to the groove. After playing for 10 years, trying to learn fancy, fast, technical stuff, I realize that stuff doesn't matter. The band and audience just want a reliable beat to groove on. That takes a lot of pressure off me and I can relax and have fun playing! Groove responsibly ;-)

[@ilsev.3656]

had my first kit ever installed yesterday at 41 years old, and practising these beats. Love it!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Welcome to the fam!

[@janedoethundear4872]

I just got a kit at 32 and now here I am.

[@Munthegun]

36 just got mine!

[@laurengledhill9752]

35!

[@leedouglass4106]

36 here and just getting started!

[@Bethieji]

Hi Stephen, I'm a senior female drummer who plays in a couple of non-professional combos. I have loads of drum books but have never found a solid entry point. A couple of days ago I came across your left hand Improvement exercises which are great, and I am so looking forward to this lesson. I feel like this is a plan for improvement. Many thanks, Beth

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Makes my day to hear that Beth!

[@aneshiadixon8762]

I'm a 48 year old lady that just decided to rock. Thanks for this. I've subscribed.

[@michellekelly4580]

Awesome! 50 and bought my first electronic drums today. Keep on rockin’.

[@aneshiadixon8762]

@@michellekelly4580 that's so awseome!!! I've been having the time of my life. Let me know how you do.❤🤘🎶

[@michellekelly4580]

@@aneshiadixon8762 thanks will do!

[@tasqforce9518]

Amazes me how these beats are so simple yet so effective on delivering a powerful groove

[@m_nico_]

I just got a drum set for my 15th birthday and your videos are by far teaching me the most. I’ve only been playing for three days now but I’m already getting the hang of these beats and I think I’m improving quickly. thanks dude for the awesome videos 🤟

[@anthonyphillips2166]

The way you teach drums has actually helped my guitar playing. breaking down things in zones, counting, playing and loving the things that got you into the instrument in the first place. Thank you for the new perspective you have made practice time fun again.

[@rayvoorhies7180]

I'm here for the same reason. I want to understand what the drummer is doing. Learn to hear the downbeat on 1 and understand the rhythm. I want to eventually play in bands with a drummer. I need to understand his cues and how to follow him.

[@lildrummerboy177]

If the instrument isn't fun then it probably isn't the right instrument for you

[@Gamesnshi]

@@lildrummerboy177 no one thinks practicing hours of scales or whatever your doing repetitively is fun.

[@janessawarrick9886]

I'm 13 and just starting. These drum beats are extremely helpful because I can use these in pretty much any song! Thank you so much!! I'm definitely subscribing!!

[@lashedandscorned]

How's your drum progress nowadays? Still practicing, I hope?

[@Tonkays]

@@lashedandscorned Lol

[@abacat5372]

how is it going, man?

[@RyanTheFirst]

Yea man how's it going?

[@mason_knecht6037]

i just started playing the drums yesterday, i don’t even know the fundamentals which probably isn’t good, but this video is awesome, all these beats are really cool and challenging in a good way

[@PaisleyH-q7g]

How's your drumming now?

[@guitar81sb]

Wow! Amazing beginner lesson. I had no drumming experience. Just rented e drums and watched this video, and I was actually playing the drums in two hours. I have checked so many other beginner videos afterward, none came even close to how useful this video was! Thanks man!

[@garryleblanc4002]

Thank you so much for your channel....I am a 56 year old man who has just purchased my own very first drum kit. I have always been in love with the drums since I was a boy smashing my Mom's ladle on the turned over pots to Roger Taylor, Ian Paice, and Garry Petersen. I messed around with drums on my friends kit when he was taking breaks but got away from it after high school. My love for drumming never left me and now I am in a position to not only have my own set but can house it and have a make ready jam space ...hoping I can find some other new musicians and learn to play songs together. Your videos have been amazing, and I am learning so much. I hope I can catch up, I don't think I started watching from your very first video, so I'd like to backtrack. Your lessons are great, informative and easy to follow. So thank you again and I hope you continue to educate with your videos... Peace and love, from your friendly neighbor from the north. 🙏❤️😎🇨🇦

[@StrummaChick]

I've been playing guitar since I was 18 and gigs since I was 20. I just turned 40 and thought, finally time to learn the drums. (have wanted to since I was 12) Now my older brother and I have started jamming together. Thanks for these videos man!

[@samdavparsley8266]

I just saw comment at 41. I’m 54 and just snapped kit together 1week ago. I did have small Ludwig at 15 or so but couldn’t play and abruptly stopped. Love your lessons- a wealth of helpful knowledge 👍

[@miguelm7470]

Your teaching style is spot on! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience in such an understandable and cool way!

[@bostjanlaba]

These beats are all just awesome and truly for a beginner, me included! Looking forward to more of them, difficulty in the area of #10 here or a tad more. Thanks!

[@noahkee8739]

Funny story...I was sitting in a practice room about to have a lesson with my guitar on my lap while watching this video. I happened to have just learned "Free Falling" on guitar so started playing along with the second drum beat. We sounded pretty good together Stephen!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Yes!!! Always love a good jam session

[@ricktaylor1554]

My son is a musician over the years i've played around , only to start and stop over and over. Now that I remodeled our music room the music sounds great. My motivation is back and your videos are right on point.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Glad you're enjoying!

[@chezchezchezchez]

This is awesome! Looking forward to: Part 2: “Drums beats that couldn’t possibly work, WTF were you thinking?”

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Lol

[@weirdcat2164]

lol

[@milesclyde8109]

Funny man

[@yourfriendlyrobot5415]

awsum

[@selenaleavitt7924]

I am a lady drummer ( beginner) and also a new member to this amazing and site, oh how this site helped me!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

So glad it's helped! Let me know if you have any other questions Selena

[@WizardosBoz]

How's your drumming doing now?

[@jayeshasher]

What a simple way to climb the steps to learning drums. Will surely practice all the above beats. Looking forward to staying in touch.

[@marieholmes3926]

How’s your progress ?

[@jayeshasher]

@@marieholmes3926 Good Sir. Have learnt all the beats. Look forward to learning more from you Sir.

[@thecuriousgeorgi]

beginner drummer here. I thought this was a great video. fun beats, well executed, good vibes. thanks so much for posting this!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks Casey...and welcome to the family!

[@Aduvjpzsao]

Incredible lesson. Years of playing and we drummers will still find ourselves coming back to play these beats times and times again. That just proves how fundamental and solid these beats are, can't ever go wrong with them!

[@ccd740]

1st beat - AC/DC: you shook me all night long (1:28) 2nd beat - Tom petty: free fallin’, Prince: when doves cry (3:07) 3rd beat - the police: every breath you take, Whitney Houston: I will always love you, (4:51) 4th beat - John Lennon: imagine, nickelback: how you remind me (6:28) 5th beat: Queen: we will rock you, Joan Jett: I love rock n’ roll (7:50) 6th beat: Bruno Mars: uptown funk, Daft Punk: get lucky, Queen: another one bites the dust, Pink Floyd: another brick in the wall pt.2 (9:32) 7th beat: 70s disco era, LMFAO: party rock anthem, blondies: heart of glass (10:58) 8th beat: Amy Winehouse: rehab (12:13) 9th beat: 70s disco era, the human league: don’t you want me baby, the village people: YMCA (13:33) 10th beat: island dance beat, Louis Fonsi: Despacito, Ed Sheeran: Shape of you (14:58)

[@Judith_FB]

This is so helpful! I feel extremely grateful that you share these beats, and song examples. This unlocked a new dimension for my own songwriting and drumming progression! Thank you

[@nicholaswilliams597]

Lovin number ten I am from trinidad and Tobago so we use it a lot in soca music.....got some trini roots in you man....love it

[@swordis45]

For real

[@brucedelaplain7138]

extremely well done. details and clarity. do you have a video for shuffle/swing beats?

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Here ya go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/maeXqmCbfdepd7Msi=B861TvGE2C7IRhXF

[@KupsoRyu]

I started learning in July and everytime I hit a plateau I come across a Stephen Taylor video that puts me right back on track to progressing and continuing to learn.. Can't wait to get in the STDS and start learning in a more formal way!

[@sonias3778]

This is a legit kickass video. PERFECT for someone starting out looking to learn familiar beats. I was having so much fun even as I was making little mistakes. It’s funny how our limbs will have ‘knee-jerk’ reactions and hit or kick when it’s not their turn!

[@bencashman1017]

My 5 year old just got a pocket kit from his uncle and he is already starting to get the hang of some of these. Thanks for the summary and breakdown of your 10 easy beginner grooves!

[@linguinemirage]

These are very satisfying for me as a beginner, and you’ve explained them clearly. Thanks for your expertise!

[@rebeccaestelle814]

♡♡♡♡♡ so I bought my son drums... then I bought him a 2nd set... now I'm learning on the 1st ♡♡♡ bc he won't play them over his new set. ... Happy to come across your teachings! I'm all in ♡♡

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Haha! I love it!

[@KupsoRyu]

My sister bought my kids a cheap little Gamon kit, it was laughably crappy, even to my untrained ear. Even trying to learn on the wee lil kit (I'm 6'2" and I'm sure looked ridiculous) but it was the most fun I've had learning an instrument. I bought us a Tama Imperialstar kit and haven't looked back going on 5 months now. We even put a ton of effort in trying to make there lil Jr kit sound musical, we sanded the bearing edges, put some beefier hardware and hoops on them, new kick pedal and cymbal stands and find some great deals on used cymbals at guitar center, snapped up a used 10" m80 pearl snare for 30 bucks , put new heads and snares and tossed a gel on it. My kids are 6 and 8 and one of my favorite things in the world is listening to them play on the kits, (they are set up right next to each other) and they teach each other their lil fills and grooves they learn and discover. Just thought it was cool how similar our journeys seem to be.

[@gypsysprinkle7]

Rehab was the one that really tripped me up and took me a lot of practice to ingest. I’m still working on playing it at full tempo. number 10 seemed way easier than that to me. This whole tutorial is incredibly helpful and easy to follow. Thank you for helping me getting started!!

[@ashlinconn5078]

I just started learning drums and this is so insanely helpful thank you!!!!!!!!

[@warlockjmn]

Thank you so much for this! I am coming back to it after 20 years and some of these beats were eluding me in my warm ups. Within seconds I was back in the groove with them. Saving the video for a recap

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

You bet!

[@rom.antic.artist]

Great a , thanks a lot! As a guitarist, I am trying to improve my rythm skills and your video helps a lot. Playing this on a midi controller at the moment but can't wait to ty it out on a proper drumset. Thanks also for the references to the famous songs, so that we can go and play along with them. Great video!!

[@cringe_papi]

I’ve recently started using garage band for beat production. Thank you for a clear, educational video!

[@SSGTStryker]

12:13 David Robinson of The Cars often used this beat. I no longer play professionally, but when I did, he was a massive influences because of the simplicity of the beat. Great video btw, makes me want to play again!

[@sharkbait3332]

For a first day beginner these are perfect!!!

[@neiltizon9369]

thank you. great help for us begginers

[@SnakeandBake1]

I’m just getting back into playing drums and my dude this video is a lifesaver thank you so much

[@MAGNUMVALLEY]

thank you for this stuff, been doing the drums for ages now but never a bad idea to go back to the basics, love this video and i love your content

[@tomjackson8895]

Stephen this collection is really fantastic! And I think it may be easy enough I could learn them all, even better. I also love that hi tom/snare/lo tom at the end of #8. I have been slowing the video down to see if I can get those notes. Sounds/looks like tom followed by snare ghost note after each tom hit. Also #10 is a cool beat and reminds me of when we lived in the Caymans in the mid+ 80's. Always glad you list your drum equipment and have sheet music. Enjoy your R&R, I'm sure it's well deserved!!!

[@breanakelly6192]

My drum teacher is exactly like this guy. Taught me this way which I'm grateful for💯

[@benjaminprietop]

That last beat actually has a name: Dembow, it originated in Jamaica and its used a lot in Reggaeton

[@GoOKuSj33]

It can also be used in Sertanejo Universitário here in Brazil, we call it Vaneirão.

[@benjaminprietop]

@@GoOKuSj33 that's like Brazilian country music, isn't it?

[@alex68612]

It is fascinating how a drum beats feel can change so drastically by simply moving the kick drum by a beat or two.

[@phoenix12playz84]

16 y/o beginning drummer here. Just found this video and it's helping a lot. Thanks! Have to say, though, my leg is hurting like never before.

[@Hissoninme]

1:18 - Beat #1 3:01 - Beat #2 4:44 - Beat #3 6:20 - Beat #4 7:48 - Beat #5 9:24 - Beat #6 10:52 - Beat #7 12:04 - Beat #8 13:26 - Beat #9 14:57 - Beat #10

[@itok737]

Im 14 starting to learn drums!! This was very helpful and thank you!!

[@solverfix]

Dude...Thanks so much for this!! Easy to follow and learn from your teaching. I had a kit when I was in high school but my dad wouldn't let me play it so I sold it and got a guitar instead. In all the bands I've played guitar in over the years I was always jealous of the drummer. (they always seemed like they were having the most fun) Fast forward to my 50's and now my son has a drum kit...and guess who's playing it all the time...me!

[@miinakatunpaa8998]

I have to learn this at school and this year the music lessons have been so much better and exciting so I will practice this for next time

[@rockyvsrambo82]

Yes, clapping & counting is the key! Love your work as always Stephen!

[@arboclimber]

Thank you, just come back to the kit after 30 years, left handed too. your videos really helping. #

[@And.r_Art]

Fellow lefty here, using my friends kit so im learning right handed 🙌

[@williamdedrick5095]

I am just learning in my retirement. Good to come across this.

[@Btrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr]

I found this video so helpful thanks for posting!

[@sophierayde2815]

I'm here in the barn, at our farm, with my six year old drums that is way in need of a vamp up, but I am hella lovin' this! Thanks so much!

[@PramodRaiK]

Evergreen grooves~ Thank you!!

[@ujangariffin6924]

Aku baru beli drum elektronik untuk belajar.... Terima kasih pakcik dah bagi tunjuk step by step

[@johnstrong7653]

These are so great and helpful; thank you! I'm just starting out and find it hard to remember each one. I think having a name for each would be very helpful. Are there common (or technical) names for these that I could refer to? Thanks again!

[@wadeforbush3824]

Stephen you are an amazing teacher and drummer. I don't know if you have ever done any charity drum lessons. Here is a little onsite on my condition. I took some lessons at a young age but ended up quitting due to some family issues and haven't played for many years. I just turned 55 and have longed to play the drums. here is the main problem in Dec 19 of 2017 I was hit by an impaired driver and ended up with epelipsy and brain damage..I had to get surgery on both of my ankles to try to repair my tendance's .my wife just bought me a ROLAND TVKX-S DRUM SET.i love it I practice on it every day and am remembering some stuff butt with all these meds they have me on to control the seziure's my life span is going to be shortened. I'm desperately.needing someone too help me even though I don't have money to pay.my wife work's 2 job's and they made me so I can't work and put me on federal disability I usually am not the type to beg for help but I am desperate.thanks for your time if you can't do anything I totally understand. Wade Forbush.

[@Themurphyshow7]

I know it's been a year, but I just read your story and was wondering how you are doing,sir!

[@jaygauld85]

I bought my electric DD400 drum kit during lockdown, getting the hang of it. I love how just by changing the kick drum changes the groove. Thank you for making it easier to understand! More for me to try out. 👍☺️

[@markhedges1194]

Thanks again Stephen for this amazing insight into beats, and their subtle differences! One of them was in 'That Thing You Do' , song and film!

[@kitmarlowe2889]

Got an electronic kit to start on. Trying to get my coordination and independence down. Hi-hats, bass, and snare are my main focus. I try to work on quarter, half, and full bar fills.

[@landonp4726]

Great vid dude. Every other beginner beat lesson they treat you like a monkey. These beats are beginner but also not too basic

[@heatherbrown7663]

GREAT VIDEO. I REALLY ENJOYED IT

[@AARC_01]

I play for a small band and I have been practicing for 1000s of hours and I still use these today

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Me too...every gig

[@kkeekins1]

I am a 45 year old woman and decided tonight that I wanted to start drumming. I picked up my daughter’s drumsticks and sat down at her drum set and got in KZbin. After about an hour, I can tell you that I love drumming and I want to keep at it! Thank you! I’m so stoked that I have two boys that are amazing on the guitar and a third boy that is learning!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

I love it! If I can help in any way, please let me know!

[@des711]

I just turned 45 a few weeks ago, and my birthday present was a drum set, thanks to my husband. I am enjoying learning to play. Pretty relaxing and reduces stress for me. My youngest graduated high school last summer, and I have decided to learn with my extra time.

[@willslaughterguitar]

I never thought I would hear john Lennon and nickelback in the same sentence...

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

I try to break the mold wherever I can 🤣

[@homeandmobiledrumstudio5482]

First and probably last time you will. Lol🤣

[@MrSpikebender]

.50 cent did a show once for .45 cents with special guest Nickelback

[@jonwilliams6364]

Final step of really helping bridge the gap. Have a list of songs for each of these beats that work. That would be amazing

[@PrimeDrift666]

Never played drums before and the is made me have confidence and keep wanting to learn more! Thanks so much dude!

[@eboatwright_]

12:46 I've been teaching myself drums, and this one was especially helpful for figuring out the kick!

[@desolatesoul2304]

We need more awesome beginner drum beats from you! This is great! Thanks!

[@timtom25]

learning these beats one by one over the last couple weeks. Thanks!

[@timcloutier3729]

Great stuff. Not complicated, but beats that when played right, bring a strong foundation and makes those hips move. If your playing make people move and groove.....YOUR DOIN' IT RIGHT. "DRUM UNTIL YOUR BODY GOES NUMB!!!" 🤘🏼🥁

[@iziegbuwa]

Thank you so much this is going to be so helpful for me & my friends learning drums.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

You're welcome!

[@xdiputsm]

Congrats on the level of detail and the positive vibes. Can you do another with more complex grooves?

[@remygaron8311]

They are all fun to play ilke playing up beats thank you👏👏👏👏🇨🇦🇨🇦👏👏🥁🥁

[@joeyc666]

Excellent breakdown! Thanks so much ❤

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

You bet!

[@baysaabayaka6549]

Great! Thank you so much! I love your classes and find very smooth and easygoing

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

💥 10:36 sweet groove

[@miyahollands6136]

Hi. A very similar grove to No.10 can be found in "Run" by Foo fighters 🤘😎🤘

[@marcin_bruczkowski]

Love your grip - that relaxed index finger - Dom Famularo and Claus Hessler would approve :)

[@ElijahJohnsonDrums]

These beats are great! Good job on the video!

[@marielamejia2400]

Thank you man, God bless you.

[@Insane_duck_shorts]

I’m an 11 year old and love to drum these beats helped a lot 😂

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

So glad they helped!

[@akshayakumararya6719]

Hey I'm the same drummer from before (I'm 14 and India)and I made a band will upload on my Channel later all because of u thank u

[@mrvladimirputin9828]

Im Happy that i knew all of them i just hope that i can get back to playing drums everyday because its difficult with neighbors always staying in it really is slowing my progress and i feel like i could do better than the time i have spent

[@dudemanaric]

Try mute pads

[@rocketqueen7355]

Electric kit ?

[@Gaizure]

I love #7 you hear the offbeat hats in fast punk songs sometimes. A bit tricky to get consistent at first!

[@escadrums2]

Nice Starphonic Snare drum and great classic beats!

[@jamestunedflat8942]

Love those thumb beats

[@gabebender6704]

Just got my drum set and have no clue how to play it. This was a huge help. Thanks

[@thefilthyfivetff5570]

Very helpfull....as always!!! Thanks

[@TreyBaker326]

You can play your Pat Boone Debbie Boone on just about every beat. Sweet!

[@Mabrito88]

#10 - the beat that starts every single song at a quinceanera.

[@noahjohnson8890]

WOW im like a pro now. these beats are sooo cool!

[@ejames6431]

This is very cool Steve! I have not played drums in years and now I started again this video will help.