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The Eighth Note
This is an eighth note. It lasts for half a count. There are eight eighth notes in one bar of 
time. When eighth notes are joined together the tails are replaced by one beam.
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The following example shows a constant stream of eighth notes played on the snare drum. Alternate the hands RLRL and then reverse them (LRLR). Once you can do this strongly and evenly at a reasonable tempo, play the example with one hand at a time (RRRR etc and LLLL etc). Once again, remember to count out loud as you play.
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The next important step in gaining control of eighth notes is to play them on the hi hat and ride cymbal with the right hand as demonstrated in the following example. It is important to keep the notes even and the sound consistent.
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Once you are comfortable playing eighth notes with the right hand, try adding the backbeat on the snare drum with the left hand.
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The following example uses the bass drum in conjunction with the constant eighth notes played by the right hand.
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Rock Beats
Once you are comfortable playing the previous examples, you are ready to play a basic Rock beat. The following examples demonstrate two simple rock beats. The only difference between these beats is the placement of the bass drum. In the first one, the bass drum is played on beats 1 and 3 only, while the second one has the bass drum on all four beats. Practice each one slowly at first, and then together until you are comfortable playing them. Once you can play these beats, you are ready to start playing with other musicians.
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The Eighth Rest
This symbol is an eighth rest. It indicates half a beat of silence.
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Here is a note reading exercise which makes use of the eighth rest. When using rests, counting is particularly important so you don’t get lost and play notes in the wrong place.
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Snare Drum Variations
To play the drums well, you need to be able to place any kind of note on or in between any beat with any limb independently from the parts played by the other limbs. A good way to start developing this ability is to play a basic beat and then vary one of the parts. The following examples should help you become confident with varying your snare drum parts. First try example 18, which uses only the right and left hands.
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Now try the following examples which make use of the right and left hands along with the right foot. When you are comfortable with these, try making up some variations of your own.
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Know Your Drums…
Double Kick Pedal
Double bass drum pedals present a much more portable and cheaper alternative to twin bass drums by having two beaters operated by two pedals on the one drum. Double bass drum technique is used in an extreme form in metal music but is present in many other types of music. Drummers ranging from Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater to Dennis Chambers of P-Funk and Santana have used double bass drum pedals.
Bass Drum Variations
As well as the snare drum, it is common to play many variations on the bass drum. Here are some examples to help you gain control of using eighth notes on the bass drum. Count as you play and make sure that all notes are consistent in volume and tone.
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Know Your Drums…
Congas
Congas, like bongos, were also developed in Cuba and are an important part of most Latin American music. Since the 1940s they have been used in many other genres too. Congas are tall tuned drums which are usually played in groups of two or four, sometimes more, using the hands. Some of the most famous congueros in history include Chano Pozo, Mongo Santamaria, Ray Barretto, King Errisson and Giovanni Hidalgo.
The following examples demonstrate several commonly used bass drum patterns. These beats are used in a variety of styles of music including Rock, R&B, Country, Soul and Heavy Metal.
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