Studies In 5/4

• By Matt Byrne
• Originally published in the February 2006 issue of DRUM! Magazine

In this lesson we’ll be taking a look at rock beats played in 5/4. Exs. 1—4 are examples of 5/4 beats that switch between eighth-notes and sixteenth-notes on the hi-hat. When played smoothly and steadily, these grooves really don’t sound that off-kilter after a while. Add some fills here and there once you’re comfortable and you’ve got everything grooving nicely.