Every groove below is shown in real notation. Click “Load into sequencer” to hear it play and experiment with it live — adjust the BPM, add instruments, or modify steps.
If you are new to reading notation, start with the notation guide first.
What Makes a Groove?
A drum groove is the repeating rhythmic pattern that forms the backbone of a song. Every groove is built from the same three elements — in different combinations:
Hi-Hat / Cymbal
Sets the subdivision (8th, 16th notes) — the rhythmic density and energy level.
Snare Drum
Marks the backbeat. Where the snare falls defines the groove's character most of all.
Kick Drum
Provides the low-end pulse. Its rhythm interacts with the snare to create the groove's momentum.
Basic Rock Beat
Rock · Pop · Blues
♩ = 904/4
The foundation of rock drumming. Hi-hat on 8th notes, snare on beats 2 and 4, kick on 1 and 3.
How to think about it
The foundational pattern most drummers learn first. Hi-hat on every 8th note keeps the pulse; snare on 2 & 4 provides the backbeat; kick anchors beats 1 & 3.
Typical range: 70–120 BPM
4 on the Floor
Disco · Arena Rock · EDM
♩ = 1004/4
Kick drums every beat drives an unstoppable pulse — the backbone of disco, arena rock, and hard rock.
How to think about it
Kick drum on every beat creates an irresistible, relentless drive. This is what made disco danceable and what makes club music work at 3am.
Typical range: 110–140 BPM
Half-Time Groove
Metal · Grunge · Hip-Hop Influenced Rock
♩ = 804/4
Snare lands only on beat 3, creating a slow, heavy feel. Common in metal, grunge, and hip-hop influenced rock.
How to think about it
The snare landing only on beat 3 (instead of 2 & 4) makes everything feel twice as slow and twice as heavy. Perfect for breakdowns and emotional climaxes.
Typical range: 65–100 BPM
Driving 16th Hi-Hat
Punk · Uptempo Rock · Fast Alternative
♩ = 1104/4
Non-stop 16th-note hi-hat creates urgent forward momentum. A staple of punk and uptempo rock.
How to think about it
16th-note hi-hat creates urgent forward momentum — your wrist gets a real workout. Keep it tight and consistent; this groove lives or dies on steadiness.
Typical range: 140–200 BPM
Double Kick Rock
Hard Rock · Metal
♩ = 904/4
Two kick hits open each half of the bar on the 'e' subdivision. Essential in hard rock and metal.
How to think about it
Two kick hits at the start of each half-bar on the 'e' subdivision add aggression and weight. The 'dun-dun' kick pattern is a hallmark of rock power.
Typical range: 80–130 BPM
Syncopated Groove
Funk-Rock · R&B · Alt-Rock
♩ = 954/4
An extra snare ghost on the 'and' of beat 3 adds a funk-influenced syncopation to the classic rock framework.
How to think about it
The extra ghost snare on the 'and' of beat 3 disrupts the expected pattern, creating tension that resolves on beat 4. This is where groove starts to swing.
Typical range: 85–110 BPM
Practice tip: slow it down first
Load a groove into the sequencer and drop the BPM to 60–70. Count out loud while it plays. Gradually increase tempo once it feels natural. Speed is earned, not forced.