The 4/4 time signature is one of the most commonly used and recognizable drum beats present in popular music. It is usually one of the first drum beats that is taught to someone when they are learning how to play the drums. Learning this drum beat opens the door to a multitude of possibilities and provides a learner with a foundational understanding of how to play the drums. Additionally, learning how to play the drums can provide an individual with a great outlet for relieving stress and with enough practice, anyone can make a career out of playing the drums in a band. This tutorial will provide a learner with a foundational understanding of how to play the drums. By the end of this tutorial, if the steps are followed and repeated many times, a learner will be able to successfully play a 4/4 drum beat and will maintain the right to call themselves a drummer.

Here is a list of the supplies you will need:
1) A drum kit

2) Drumsticks

3) A metronome (The easiest way to get a metronome is by downloading a metronome app to your personal device or through the drum module (computer) on your electronic drum kit.)

4) A drum pad (Displayed in the lower left-hand corner of the image above. This item is only necessary if you don't have access to a drum kit.)

5) Your hands and knees (This will only be necessary if you don't have access to drumsticks, a drum kit, or a drum pad. The steps in this tutorial can all be followed using only your hands and knees.)

Disclaimer: The creator of this tutorial has no formal musical education and does not claim to be an expert on the subject of drumming. Additionally, the creator is not sponsored by, nor does he endorse, any of the products depicted in this tutorial. I maintain no liability for any damages, loses, or injuries that come from utilizing the information in this tutorial. If any of the steps in this tutorial cause any type of discomfort DO NOT continue following the tutorial. Your personal health and well-being are your responsibility. I created all of the photos and videos presented in this tutorial on February 11, 2021.

Now, let's have some fun!

Step 1: Navigating the Drum Kit

The layout of a drum kit is something that is unique to every drummer. There is no right or wrong way to set up your drum kit. It is important to set up your drum kit so that you can play each "piece of the puzzle" comfortably. Here is a list of some common components that make up a drum kit (use the above image as a visual reference):

1) Hi-hat Cymbals (includes a foot pedal to change the sound of the cymbals)

2) Snare Drum

3) High Tom Tom Drum

4) Floor Tom Tom Drum

5) Kick (Bass) Drum

6) Ride Cymbal

7) Crash Cymbal #1

8) Crash Cymbal #2

(Note: For this tutorial we will only be using the snare drum, the kick drum, and the ride cymbal.)

Step 2: Sitting at the Drum Kit

Position your drum throne (seat) at an appropriate distance from the drum kit to allow your thigh and shin to create a 90 degree angle. Additionally, you will want to make sure that your back is at a 90 degree angle from your thighs. Maintaining proper back posture is one of the hardest things to remember while playing the drums. (Note: By not maintaining proper back posture, you will run the risk of developing back problems.)

Step 3: Holding the Drumsticks

1) Position your hand so that your index finger is about 5 inches from the bottom of the drumstick. (Note: This approximation may vary depending on the length of your drumsticks.)

2) Grasp the drumstick with both your thumb and index finger. Your thumb should be parallel with the drumstick and your index finger should be perpendicular.

3) Wrap your remaining fingers around the drumstick, making sure not to clench too hard. These three fingers are only meant to support the grip of your thumb and index finger.

Step 4: Set Up the Metronome

Access your metronome app or the metronome that is built into your drum module (computer). The functionality of every drum module or metronome app is slightly different, so you may need to consult a manual to figure out how to set up your metronome. Once you have an understanding of your specific metronome, you will set the BPM or beats per minute to 80. The BPM determines how fast or slow a drum beat is played, this is called the tempo. (Note: If you begin this tutorial and find that 80 BPM is too fast, feel free to choose a lower value. A lower value will equate to a slower tempo.) You will then set the time signature to 4/4. The time signature determines how many beats will be played in the measure. (Note: This is a very basic description of the 4/4 time signature, there are many resources on the internet that you can access to get a better definition of the 4/4 time signature. The purpose of this tutorial is not intended to define the intricacies surrounding music theory rudiments. It is only meant to help build the muscle memory associated with playing a simple drum beat.)

Step 5: Count to 4 on One Hand

Once your metronome is set up, you will begin counting on one hand in sync with the clicks of the metronome. As you do so, you will recite "1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and..." repeatedly in your head. This will help your brain synchronize with the metronome before you begin playing the drums. Continue this step until you feel confident that your brain is in sync with the metronome.

Step 6: Hit the Ride on 1, 2, 3, and 4

Once you have confidence in your ability to count to 4 in sync with the metronome, you can begin playing your drum kit. You will start by hitting the ride cymbal in sync with each number count. This means that you will hit the ride cymbal on the 1, 2, 3, and 4. View the above video for a demonstration. Repeat this step as many times as necessary to stay in sync with the metronome.

Step 7: Add a Kick Drum Hit to the 1 Count

Once your are able to perform the previous step in sync with the metronome, you will add a kick drum hit. Play the drum pattern as it was taught in the previous step, but this time you will hit the kick drum on the 1 count. This means that you will be hitting the kick drum and the ride cymbal simultaneously on the 1 count. For this step, it helps to imagine that there is a string connected between your elbow and knee, forcing them to do the same thing at the same time. View the above video for a demonstration and repeat this step as many times as necessary.

Step 8: Add a Snare Drum Hit to the 2 Count

Once you are able to perform the previous step in sync with the metronome, you will add a snare drum hit. Play the drum pattern as it was taught in the previous step, but this time you will add a snare drum hit to the 2 count. This means that you will be hitting the ride cymbal and the snare drum simultaneously on the 2 count. Once again, it helps to imagine that there is a string connecting your right and left hand, forcing them to do the same thing at the same time. View the above video for a demonstration and repeat this step as many times as necessary.

Step 9: Add Another Kick Drum Hit to the 3 Count

Once you are able to perform the previous step in sync with the metronome, you will add another kick drum hit. You will play the drum pattern as it was taught in the last step, but this time you will add a second kick drum hit to the 3 count. Once again, you will hit the kick drum and the ride cymbal on the 3 count simultaneously, imagining that there is a sting connection between your elbow and knee. View the above video for a demonstration and repeat this step as many times as necessary.

Step 10: Add Another Snare Drum Hit to the 4 Count

Once you are able to perform the previous step in sync with the metronome, you will add another snare drum hit. Play the drum pattern as it was taught in the previous step, but this time you will add another snare drum hit to the 4 count. Once again, you will hit the snare drum and the ride cymbal simultaneously, imagining that there is a string connecting your left hand to your right hand. View the above video for a demonstration and repeat this step as many times as necessary to stay in sync with the metronome.

Congratulations! You have successfully played a 4/4 drum beat. You are now a drummer!