Snare Placement

In this video lesson I demonstrate how snare placement in a Rock beat can dramatically alter the feel of the beat.

Snare placement is a tool drummers use to influence the overall feel of the rhythm, creating a double time or half-time feel or something more syncopated. 

Doubling the frequency of the snare drum played on the beats (double time) provides a sense of more forward motion.  In contrast halving the frequency of the snare drum (half-time) creates a more open and spacious sound.

Syncopation is when we place a rhythmic accent where it normally wouldn’t occur.  It creates a sort of rhythmic tension which surprises the listener.  In this way it contrasts starkly with the more regular placement of the note.  Syncopation will also create a desire for a return to the regular structure.  In this way it can used as a tool for tension (syncopated) and release (regular structure).

Snare placement is a very useful tool for arranging sections of a song where the pulse is consistent but there is a desire to change the feel.  It’s also useful as a marker of the resolution of a section of music.  In this way it functions much like a drum fill.

Counting is of utmost importance when first working on this concept.  When we count we are able to maintain an awareness of the rhythmic structure of a beat. Counting out loud is the most effective way to be absolutely certain of where we want to alter the beat.  Likewise, counting allows us to understand where the alteration is occurring in the bar.

Start with a simple beat as I did in this video.  Take this approach to more complex beats once you feel comfortable and in control. Also remember that there are many more possibilities than outlined here – Let’s get drumming!