The video in this free drum lesson has Jared Falk teaching you guys how to count 8th notes, and how to relate them to quarter notes. He does so by using some simple but effective exercises, beats and fills. Jared also teaches how to read and write 8th notes, talks about the importance of counting out loud while practicing, and shows you how to play and notate 8th note rests.
Before you go through this free drum lesson, be sure to check the free drum lesson “How To Count Quarter Notes“. This is the basis for everything you’ll develop here. So having a good understanding of quarter notes will help you go through this lesson with greater ease. Going through these free drum lesson on drum theory and notation in the order we’re suggesting them to you, and spending quality time with them will solidify your knowledge and accelerate your learning experience.
Developing your ability to relate the different note values there are through counting, sound and feel will not only make you a better musician, but also help you when learning how to play your favorite songs by ear. This is a great asset to have if you’re planning on being a studio musician – you’ll have to read and write drum charts from time to time – and if you plan on notating every song you learn how to play by ear as well.
If you’d like to keep practicing your ability to count 8th notes, move on to the free drum lesson “Beginner Opening-Closing Hi-Hats“. You can use this lesson to further challenge your ability to count 8th notes, since you’ll be adding an extra limb to the mix. The limb we’re talking about is the hi-hat foot, and you’ll be using it to open and close the hi-hat. This is also a great way for you to be introduced to dynamics, and to how much cooler they can make a beat sound. If you’d rather keep expanding on your knowledge of note values, then the free drum lesson “How To Count Sixteenth Notes” is the next best thing for you.