Free Drum Lessons
Advertisement

Counting Sixteenth Notes

TIP: For more drum lessons, check out the Rock Drumming System.

Alternative Video-Playback Options
Windows Media Windows Media YouTube YouTube Video
iPod or iTunes iPod & Quicktime Google Video Google Video
Sheet Music
Adobe PDF Adobe PDF
Flash Paper FlashPaper
Resources
Link Notation Chart
Link Discuss Video
Bookmark and Share

Learn How To Count Sixteenth Notes

In this video lesson, you will learn how to count and play sixteenth notes. They are to eighth notes what eighth notes are to quarter notes. In other words, sixteenth notes are a sub-division of eighth notes. One quarter note is equal to two eighth notes - which is also equal to four sixteenth notes.

Sixteenth Note Exercises

In this first example, you can see a measure of sixteenth notes. The note stems are connected with two horizontal lines (in groups of four). As you can see, these are counted: one, e, and, a, two, e, and, a, three, e, and, a, four, e, and, a (re-starting at one for each consecutive measure).

1
Sixteenth Notes #1

Te second exercise has a measure with quarter and eighth notes leading into a measure of sixteenth notes. Watch the video lesson on this page to see how to transition between these three sub-divisions. Jared explains the pattern step-by-step, and demonstrates the exercise on the drum set.

2
Sixteenth Notes #2

This third exercise includes quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes in four measures. This can be a little tricky to count at first, so be sure you practice with a metronome. The point here is to learn to count the sub-divisions, not to actually play the pattern on the kit. So, just practice counting out loud with a metronome.

3
Sixteenth Notes #3

Once you are finished this video lesson - you can move on to eighth note triplets. They are somewhat similar to eight notes, but are "triplet" sub-divisions. Go check it out for more step-by-step training.

Fill out the form below for free instant access to exclusive bonus video lessons that teach hi-hat tricks, drum beats, drum fills, syncopation, practice tips, soloing ideas, gigging advice, and more!

Name:

Email:

Here Is What Drummers Are Saying
About The Exclusive Secret Lessons...

Dan B: Hey Jared, I just wanted to thank you for putting together the entire free drum lessons website. I love the secret lessons as they really push my creativity. The x-fill is my favorite soloing pattern now...

Robert S: ... anyway I would like to pass on my feedback to whoever is behind the secret lessons. I can't imagine why you would provide this amazing service, but I beg you not to stop! I look forward to each and every video that comes my way!

Kevin T: How did you get all these drummers to create these video lessons for free? I love this stuff and I hope you continue to create more of the secret lessons... the secret videos are far and away the best stuff on the website even though I love the normal stuff too!

Marty W: Feel free to post this on your website. I just wanted to tell you and anyone else out there how much I enjoy the secret drum lessons. I don't normally bother to send feedback about a website, but this is obviously very much deserved. I've been a secret subscriber for nearly two months and am still trying to figure out if there is a catch to all these wonderful lessons. They are just too awesome!

Dave E: I can't believe you are giving these secret lessons away for free. As a business student, I think these would make a great pay-service. I don't know why I am suggesting you make me pay... I guess I just can't believe anyone would do this for free. Thank you for helping poor student drummers like me.

Get FREE Access To The Secret Lessons
By Filling Out The Short Form Above!